British Values
The DfE have 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 in 2014.
At Dundonald these values are planned, delivered and reinforced regularly through a broad and balanced curriculum including within PSHE and RE but also through the ethos of the school as a Rights Respecting School and in the following ways:
Democracy
Children, parents/carers and staff have many opportunities for their voices to be heard at Dundonald Primary School. Democracy is central to how we operate.
Pupils are involved in democratic processes, e.g. at the start of each academic year, two children from each class are voted to represent their class on the School Council. The School Council meets once a month ensuring children are able to express their views.
House Captains, from Year 6, are voted at the beginning of each academic year.
Dundonald is a Rights Respecting School, which means the UNICEF Rights of the Child underpin the school’s values and ethos. Once a year all the children within each class decide upon their Class Charter and their rights and responsibilities associated with these.
The school values pupil voice and we ask the pupils about their learning, their concerns and for their ideas about how we can make things better for them. We do this by using pupil questionnaires. Children have as well the opportunity to nominate and vote for others to receive a certificate (e.g. Rights Respecting Star of the Month).
The Rule of Law
The importance of rules and laws, whether they be those that govern our school or our country, are referred to and reinforced often, such as in assemblies and when reflecting on behaviour choices.
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.
These values are reinforced in different ways:
- During PSHE lessons when we use a range of PSHE resources to promote moral, spiritual, social and cultural awareness among our pupils.
- Visits from authorities such as the police and fire service
- During other school subjects, where there is respect and appreciation for different rules – in a sports lesson, for example
At the start of the school year, each class discusses and sets its own Class Charter, a set of principles that are clearly understood by all and seen to be necessary to ensure that every class member is able to learn in a safe and ordered environment. These are displayed, referred to, discussed and adhered to.
Individual Liberty
Alongside rules and laws, we promote freedom of choice and the right to respectfully express views and beliefs. Through the provision of a safe, supportive environment and empowering education, we provide boundaries for our young pupils to make choices safely.
For example:
- Choices about what learning challenge or activity
- Choices about how they record their learning
- Choices around the participation in Dundonald's extended provision
Our pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and informed how to exercise these safely, for example through our Online Safety and PSHE lessons.
Mutual Respect
As a Rights Respecting School, mutual respect and good manners is at the heart of our values. Adults actively model respect with one another, and with the children, in how we speak and treat one another. Children learn that their behaviour choices have an effect on their own rights and those of others. Our Behaviour and Discipline Policy encompasses respecting others.
We take part in in-school and out-of-school competitive sports events.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Dundonald has a greatly culturally diverse community and we are proud to promote and celebrate our different backgrounds and beliefs during International Week. Through our creative curriculum, we promote an awareness of different faiths and we encourage our pupils to recognise and understand these faiths.
The school operates a ‘Language of the Month’ which reflects languages used within the school community. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.
Our children visit the main places of worship. We use assemblies, workshops and themed weeks, i.e. Anti-Bullying Week to raise and discuss issues of bullying and prejudice and reinforce learning during curriculum time.
At Dundonald, we will actively challenge pupils, parents or staff who express opinions contrary to fundamental British values, including extremist views.