British Values

Promoting British Values at Ashchurch Primary School.

The DfE have recently 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, 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 very recently (2014). At Aschurch these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy

Each year the children decide upon their class rules. All the children contribute to the drawing up of the rules. We have a school council which meets regularly with the Headteacher to discuss issues raised in class council meetings. The council has its own budget and is genuinely able to effect change within the school. Each class of the school is represented on the school council and every councilor is voted in by their class. Children in Sapphire Class are required to put together a manifesto which they present in assembly before the vote. School Council are involved in the recruitment of new staff.

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws and rules, whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout the school.

We have a very clear behaviour policy and children in all year groups are clear on what the expectations are. When children are given verbal warnings, these are always set against the behaviour policy. Children are taught that there are consequences of breaking the agreed rules.

Children are asked to identify which expectation they have broken to ensure that this connection is made and understood. 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, fire service etc. are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message.

To encourage and promote good behaviour, attitude and work, we have devised a reward system which is consistently followed throughout the school.

We are committed to praising children’s efforts.  We endeavour to praise the children informally, individually, during group work, in front of the whole class and the whole school.  Children are rewarded not only for achievement in curriculum areas, but for behaviour, attitutde to learning and good manners.

Rewards are given in the form of stickers, house points and certificates.  Children’s achievements are also recognised during celebration assemblies.

Individual Liberty

At Ashchurch pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we provide boundaries for young pupils to make informed choices through a safe environment and an empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely. Some examples include example through our eSafety and PSHE lessons. They also understand that with rights come responsibilities. Children have many opportunities to make personal choices during their time at Ashchurch. This could involve choice of challenge in some lessons, recording their learning in different ways, learning outdoors or participating in our numerous extra-curricular activities. Our weekly ‘outside achievement’ assembly recognises and celebrates the uniqueness of individuals and provides an opportunity for children to share their individual successes outside of school with their friends.

Mutual Respect

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.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

At Ashchurch we actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures.

This is achieved through enhancing pupils’ understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity in our local community which is predominantly white British. Collective Worship and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE. We use opportunities such as the Olympics and World Cup to study and learn about life and culture in countries such as Brazil. We have links with schools in other countries including Spain and Jamaica which encourages children to compare and contrast their own experiences with their peers in these countries.

There are regular opportunities to study other world faiths and to learn about their customs, practises and celebrations. Examples include learning about Chinese customs at new year through activities such as food tasting and dance and whole school assembly on the muslim festival of Eid. Wherever possible, we invite guest speakers into school and run practical workshops to give the children a real experience of a different belief system.

Religious Education lessons and PSHE lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others. The children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths. As a school we work closely with families from different faiths in order to ensure that all children are included. We avoid stereotypes and promote equality in our classroom displays, choice of resources and examples used within learning opportunities.

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Ashchurch Primary School
Ashchurch Road,
Tewkesbury,
Gloucestershire
GL20 8LA

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Administrator | Claire Vignaux

01684292376

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Headteacher | Richard Gibson

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SENDCo | Emma Bushell

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Ashchurch Primary School is committed to providing the very best possible education for all of its pupils within a stimulating, happy and secure environment.