School Information: British Values at Middle Park
At Middle Park Primary School we uphold and teach pupils about British Values. The Department for Education states that there is a 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 were reiterated by the Prime Minister in 2014. At Middle Park Primary School we promote and teach the following values through our Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural education which permeates through our curriculum. In particular, the following British values are taught and discussed with pupils:
Tolerance of Faiths and Belief
This is achieved through enhancing pupils’ understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience diversity. Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE.
Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. We regularly hold whole-school assemblies to celebrate and learn about the numerous religious festivals that happen throughout the school year. We harness cultural links in our classes and often reach out into the community to support our teaching.
Mutual Respect
At Middle Park Primary School we pride ourselves on our positive relationships. We treat each other with mutual respect and work in a climate where openness, trust and inclusion lay the foundations for future life.
Our school values underpin all aspects of school life and give staff and children the opportunity to discuss and reflect on the values in life that they believe in. It is our values that determine our thinking and behaviour and the way in which we interpret the world around us. Learning and effort are highly respected and the whole school is focused on developing an intrinsic sense of worth and achievement.
We aim to help children learn the art of reflection and questioning. We teach them to be understanding of others and solution focussed rather than judging others and getting cross. By the time children leave Middle Park Primary School, they understand that values are important if people in our society are going to live happily together.
Freedom and Democracy
Democracy is core to our School Ethos. Children have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council and Pupil questionnaires. Elections for School Council representatives are undertaken in each class.
We encourage children to be leaders throughout the school and we have a number of activities and responsibilities that are undertaken by the children. For example, pupils from Key Stage 2 are prefects and play leaders at lunch and play times they are responsible for encouraging all children to take part at playtime by inviting them into games.
Children are always able to voice their opinions and we foster an environment where children are safe to disagree with each other, through the development of speaking and listening skills.
Individual Liberty
Within school, children are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. They develop vocabulary to enter into a dialogue with others in their decision making.
As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make choices safely through the provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise this safely. An example of this is through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons. Pupils are given the freedom to make choices through challenge, recording learning and participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities.
– Rule of Law
The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country are consistently reinforced. This is through our expectations throughout every school day, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies.
At Middle Park Primary School we ensure that children are acutely aware of their responsibilities. Children develop a thorough understanding of personal responsibility and develop independence in managing relationships and behaviour.
Each class works together to create a set of class rules that they feel are appropriate for them. Children are involved in the decision making and the reasons why these rules are important.
Children are taught the value and reasons behind laws and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service etc. are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message.
