Promoting British Values at Templewood School
The Department for Education expects 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 school’s values and ethos is one of tolerance and respect. The recognition that all people are to be valued regardless of beliefs, background or ethnic origin is reflected in the school’s Equality Statement and rooted in the school’s Mission Statement and Aims.
Our school actively promotes British values inside and outside of the curriculum in the following ways:
Pupils are taught how they can influence decision making through the democratic process and have the opportunity to have their voices heard within the school.
The pupil elected school council works with staff to improve the school and influence school policy. In addition, pupil questionnaires and interviews are further opportunities to promote the pupil voice within the school and to prioritise actions and evaluate the success and impact of change.
Class teachers often use class votes to decide upon class activities.
We actively promote and teach the pupils about the rules of law that governs the class, school or country.
Policies and procedures are in place to tackle behaviour and attitudes which are contrary to the school’s moral code and expectations.
Pupils are taught the difference between right and wrong as well as the importance of honesty, forgiveness and reparation through our class and school rules. 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; the Fire Service and Road Safety teams are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message. Year 6 also attend the ‘Crucial Crew’ where they learn about the importance of following various rules/laws to ensure their own personal safety and that of others.
Pupils are encouraged to be independent learners, constantly making choices, within a safe and supportive environment. Developing their self- esteem and self-confidence is very important and this is done in an atmosphere of tolerance and acceptance within the school.
Pupils are encouraged to understand their personal freedoms and are taught how to use these rights to best effect, alongside the responsibilities that go with these rights.
Pupils are given the freedom to make choices within the school, ranging from the pupil choice challenges in lessons to the participation of extra-curricular activities, right down to the choice of their school lunch.
As a close community, mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others.
All members of the school community treat each other with respect as we actively encourage children to apply this in their daily lives.
Pupils are regularly involved in activities in assemblies and PSHE lessons, where they are helped to understand why mutual respect is a vital value and where they can reflect on the ways in which we can show respect to one another.
Pupils are reminded of their place in a culturally diverse society. This is achieved through our Religious Education curriculum, the spiritual life of the school and through our topic and P4C assemblies.
Assemblies and class work promote the diversity of society and the right for each person to be respected and valued equally regardless of ability, gender, faith, heritage or race. Members of different faiths or religions are invited to school to share their knowledge and enhance learning within assemblies and in class.
Children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths.
Active support of charities, both in Britain and overseas, develops the children’s appreciation of and respect for the differences and inequalities in the world and of all the things that we share as human beings, for example the need for food, shelter, security and love.