Promoting British Values

The DfE set out the need for schools “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.”

At Stonebow, we actively teach British Values through our PSHE curriculum – SCARF (see PSHE curriculum page). Our Assembly Themes, shared at the bottom of this page, reflect British Values wherever possible and are displayed in the hall (above) to remind children of the link between the theme and value.  We believe this supports our children in becoming well-rounded members of society.

Furthermore, our children actively engage in fundraising for charity as well as for the school, highlighting how they can contribute positively to the lives of those living and working in the local area and the wider world too.

Democracy:

Democracy is embedded within the school. Children have the opportunity to have their voices heard through pupil questionnaires and regular ‘pupil voice’ events. In Year 6, pupils can apply to become House Captains and Vice Captains, part of their role involves consulting with pupils on a range of school related matters. The UK Parliament’s Senior Education and Engagement Officer led an assembly on democracy ahead of the election. Pupil’s also have the opportunity to vote on school wide issues, wherever appropriate.

The Rule of Law:

The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout the regular school day, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. Children are taught the value and reasons behind laws or rules, 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 and Fire Services are regular parts of our school calendar and help reinforce this message.

Individual Liberty:

Within school, children are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young children to make choices safely, through provision of a safe environment and empowering education.  Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised on how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PHSE lessons. Whether it be through choice of challenge, or participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.

Mutual Respect:

Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy has revolved around values such as respect and inclusion. Children have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown. This is reiterated through our classroom charters and school behaviour code.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:

This is achieved through enhancing children’s understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. This is done specifically through PHSE and RE, as well as across the whole curriculum where relevant.

Additional information…

Rights Respecting School

Stonebow has been working towards the ‘Rights Respecting Schools Award’ (RRSA) which recognises achievement in putting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) at the heart of a school’s planning, policies, practice and ethos. A rights-respecting school not only teaches about children’s rights but also models rights and respect in all its relationships: between pupils and adults, between adults and between pupils. Wherever possible, our assembly themes and PSHE lessons link to this.

Protected Characterisics – in the Summer Term 2024, we delivered a series of assemblies on Protected Characteristics. Next year, we will take part in the local authority’s ‘Everyone’s Welcome’ programme alongside our LPAP partner schools.