Promoting British Values

'Learning and Achieving Together'

The DfE 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. At Hobletts Manor Junior School we support this expectation through our work and ethos and seek to maintain and develop well established work and values in all aspects of school life.

Democracy:

Throughout their time at Hobletts Manor Junior School, children are provided with opportunities to discuss and share their views on a range of issues. This may be, for example, through our P4C Lessons, as part of a debate in an English lesson, when talking about issues during a PHSE lesson, or when discussing topics in class or in assembly. Our children are encouraged to express their views about the school in a variety of ways for example via Leaders of Learning and in pupil voice discussions as part of the evaluation of the curriculum.  Children who serve as Leaders of Learning a valuable insight into the workings of democracy. They are encouraged to gather the views of their peers and to feedback on the work and decisions of the school. They also have opportunities to share their views with school governors, through focused meetings or as part of the Governor’s Annual Strategy Day and advisors who visit the school.

The Rule of Law:

The systems and structures developed within the school provide a strong basis for understanding the importance of rules, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country. 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. All children have had a role in creating the school rules which set out the standards for all children at Hobletts and are detailed within the school’s behaviour policy. Each year starts with every class drawing up their own class charters. There are also many other opportunities taken for teaching children about the importance of rules and laws, for example in assemblies and through the curriculum, including during PSHE lessons and team games in PE lessons. We maintain a relationship with our Police Community Support Officer, who is happy to contribute to class and school activities to further support learning and enhance the children’s awareness of the rule of law in a wider community context.

Individual Liberty:

As a school we place great emphasis on allowing children to develop and express their individuality; we aim to educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make choices, through the provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supported environment. Whether it be through choice of challenge, of how they record, of participation in our extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices. Our aim as a school is to develop independence in our children as they move through the primary school and to prepare them to develop as individuals with interests and opinions as they move into their secondary school years.

Mutual Respect:

Respect is a key value, identified by all school stakeholders at Hobletts Manor Junior School. As such, mutual respect is at the heart of our school. Children are taught to respect others and this is reiterated through our classroom rules, learning partner expectations, as well as our behaviour policy. We help children to develop their awareness of people’s differences and similarities and to value and celebrate the rich diversity of the world in which we are all a part.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:

At Hobletts Manor Junior School we strive to enhance our children’s understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and give them opportunities to experience such diversity. As a school represented by an increasing range of faith groups and cultures we ensure that our RE curriculum includes opportunities to understand and respect other faiths and beliefs. Festivals and traditions from different faiths are also explored and celebrated throughout the year.