Promoting British Values at Summercroft

The DfE have recently reinforced the need "to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.”

The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values have been reiterated by the Prime Minister this year. At Summercroft these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:  

• Democracy: Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard weekly through our Talking Groups.  Talking Groups meet weekly with a three week cycle of themes. The year 6 children suggest themes for the rest of the pupils to discuss. These are then fed back to the Headteacher. Election of House Captains are based on pupil votes.

• The Rule of Law: The importance of Laws whether they be those that govern the class, the school (which we refer to as Golden Rules at Summercroft) or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout the school day, as well as when dealing with behaviour through school assemblies.  Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message.

• Individual Liberty: Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make good choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make choices safely, through of provision of a safe environment and empowering education.  Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-safety and PSHE lessons.  Whether it be through choice of challenge, of how they record, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.  

• Mutual Respect: Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy has revolved around Core Values: Honesty, Consideration, Care and Respect. Pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what these mean and how it is shown. Our ethos promotes respect for others and this is reiterated through our Golden Rules, individual classroom rules, as well as our behaviour for learning policy.  

• Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs: This is achieved through enhancing pupils understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE.