Promoting Fundamental British Values at St Hild’s College CE (Aided) Primary School

The Department for Education state 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."

At St Hild’s CE Primary School we are committed to these values and we offer a culturally rich and diverse curriculum in which global dimension work is embedded in much of our teaching and learning. This provides pupils with the chance to reflect on the school’s core principles which mirror the Department for Education’s British values.

Democracy

Democracy is embedded at the school. Pupils are listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and with concern to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard. Pupils also have the opportunity to air their opinions and ideas through our School Council, Eco Council, Children’s Collective Worship Committee and regular questionnaires. The elections of the School Council members are based solely on pupil votes, reflecting our British electoral system and demonstrating democracy in action.

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced. Our school has rules, which are embedded in our work every day. Each class also discusses and sets its own charter that is 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. Our pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws. They understand that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws or rules are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help reinforce this message.

Individual Liberty

Within school, pupils 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 our pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and an empowering education. Our pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely; examples of this can be clearly seen in our e-safety and P.S.H.C.E. lessons. Children are encouraged to make considered choices and understand there are consequences linked to their actions. Through consistency of rules, boundaries and fairness, our children feel safe in school.

Mutual Respect

Respect is one of the core values of our school. The pupils know and understand that it is expected that respect is shown to everyone in our immediate community and beyond Our school is committed to developing respect for other cultures and beliefs. The pupils know and understand that respect is shown mutually to everyone, regardless of any differences we may have. The core value of Respect at St Hild’s CE Primary underpins our work every day both in and out of the classroom. We believe that this respect is fostered through our international curriculum and we actively celebrate the different cultures within our school family. As well as developing intercultural understanding through the vehicle of Primary Languages, our international curriculum incorporates a range of cross-curricular opportunities to learn about, and thereby develop greater tolerance of, and respect for, other cultures. Pupils are helped to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life through the school’s links with other countries. All member of the school community are encouraged to challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour and understand and respect difference. Through the curriculum, pupils are encouraged to discuss and respect differences between people, such as faith, ethnicity, language, ability, gender, sexuality and differences of family situations.

Tolerance of Those With Different Faiths And Beliefs

Our core value of Respect ensures respect and understanding towards those who have different faiths and beliefs. St Hild’s CE Primary School enhances pupils’ understanding of different faiths and beliefs through their relationships, within school and the curriculum and visits to other places of worship to deepen understanding of different celebrations and beliefs. The Children take part in a Faith Week each year to develop their knowledge and understanding of different religions. The curriculum allows regular opportunities for children to focus on a different country, exploring its culture and traditions. These are studied in depth, with visitors being invited in to our school to enrich and extend understanding. Links and visits are promoted with different faith communities and places of worship. Members of different faiths or religions are invited to school to share their knowledge and enhance learning within assemblies and in class. We also share our understanding with members of other learning communities in the world.