British Values

British Values at Turnditch School

Turnditch Church of England Primary School is committed to serving the community of Turnditch, its parish and its surrounding areas. It recognises the multi-cultural, multi faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom, and therefore those it serves. It also understands the vital role it has in ensuring that groups or individuals within the school are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.

The school, as a ‘Church of England School’, accepts admissions from all those entitled to an education under British law, including pupils of all faiths or none. It follows the policies outlined by its governing body regarding equal opportunities, which guarantee that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or similar. It seeks to serve all.

His Majesty’s Government emphasises that schools are required to ensure that key ‘British Values’ are taught in all UK schools. The government set out its definition of British values in the ‘Prevent Strategy’ – values of:

democracy
the rule of law
individual liberty
mutual respect
tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

The school does, though a wide range of activities, secure such standards and uses strategies within the National Curriculum and beyond to secure appropriate outcomes for chilldren. The list below outlines samples of when and where such British Values are shared. The list is not exhaustive, and represents only some of what we do.

Promoting British Values.

At Turnditch we promote the British values across the whole school. Our collective worship reinforces these values, as does our broad curriculum. The British values are taught through PSHE, SMSC and RE, and are reinforced through subjects such as history and geography.

Value: Democracy – How do we promote it?

We encourage children to have a say in what happens in our school and in their local area.
We have systems of class monitors and extra responsibilities for children in Year 6 to engage with.
We encourage children to decide which charities we would like to raise money for each year. Contribution to society encourages children to understand how to be contributing citizens and decide on their preferred charity as a class.
Democracy is also promoted through PSHE lessons and collective worship where children are taught to respect their rights and the rights of others.
We welcome a range of external visitors throughout the year including local councillors.

Value: Rule of Law How do we promote it?

Children at Turnditch know what is expected of them, why rules are so important, and what the consequences are if they do not follow them. They learn about the importance of different rules whether they be laws of the classroom, home, local or global societies.
Each year, the class begins Term 1 by discussing class and school rules and the reasons for having and keeping them.
Positive reward systems are in place to celebrate achievement in each class. There are also well defined sanctions within each class.
Our PSHE curriculum and collective worship sessions teach children about trust, respect and honesty. We encourage children to develop a strong sense of morality; knowing right from wrong and doing the right thing even when it’s difficult.
We ensure children understand laws are made in parliament and explore how these laws are made.
We plan visits from authorities such as the Police, Fire Service etc. regularly to help reinforce The Rule of Law.

Value: Individual Liberty How do we promote it?

We teach children to value and appreciate their individual liberty within the UK and understand this is not true for all other countries across the world.
We encourage children to make choices at different points in the school day within a safe and supportive environment. Children make lunch option and activity choices. They have the choice of challenge in some lessons and how they record their work.
Allowing children to understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms safely e.g. during anti-bullying weeks, RE lessons and PSHE lessons.
We teach children to respect the rights of others and things through the values of empathy and tolerance, as well as understanding and knowledge.
The theme of ‘individual liberty’ is embedded into our broad and balanced curriculum.
During Black History Month, children learn about the past and the importance of freedom, the right to equality and free choice.

Value: Mutual Respect – How do we promote it?

Being ‘Responsible citizens’ is part of our school mission. Children learn to be respectful and polite to others.
We have high expectations of how children behave which is reflected in our behaviour policy.
Children learn that their behaviour has an impact on their rights and those of others.
We promote opportunities for children to work together with others in a class, team, group or older buddy.
We warmly welcome all visitors and newly arrived children and their families.
All members of the school community treat each other with respect.

Value: Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs – How do we promote it?

Turnditch is situated in an area which is not greatly culturally diverse. Therefore we place a great emphasis on promoting diversity with the children. Collective worship sessions are regularly planned to promote this British value through the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures.
Children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths.
Our teaching of Religious Education where children learn about different religions, their beliefs, places of worship and festivals.
Children learn about different societies and cultures through geography and history topics.
Collective worship sessions mark and celebrate significant religious festivals and current affairs.

Subject studies

Developing the skill base required to access/share information, make/express opinions or decisions and apply themselves to society and the world. This include the understanding and use of money, effective writing and reading skills, collaborative work to discuss and research ideas and concepts, and gain a broad and balanced understanding of the society in which they live. Further aspects of study include historical and geographical contexts of the United Kingdom, incorporating local and national evolution, as well as international comparisons.

Whole school daily acts of collective worship

The sharing of stories, images, events and expectations that, with clarity and precision, promote the values expressed. Such proceedings vary in the methodology of delivery in order to secure interest and understanding and are designed to impact on children regardless of knowledge, experience or cognitive maturity. As a ‘Church of England School’, ‘collective worship’ is Christian in denomination but recognizes that those attending may have a wide range of faiths, or none.

Religious Education

Gaining a greater understanding of religious diversity and practices, which covers key religions represented in the UK. (As a Voluntary Aided Church of England School we have designed our own RE scheme of work which is broadly Christian in nature. Our scheme is also designed to encompass and study all other major faiths and belief systems).

Physical Education

Promotion of the concept of ‘fair play’, following and developing rules, inclusion, celebrating and rewarding success, being magnanimous in defeat and participation in activities that promote kinship and affiliation with others.

Should you feel that the school is not meeting this requirement, you should contact the school office and request to express your concerns with the Head teacher. Likewise, if you feel that anyone working at the school is, intentionally or otherwise undermining these values, you should report this to the Head teacher.