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. At Brinscall St John’s these values are taught through our broad, balanced and enriched curriculum. Frequent opportunities to apply our agreed values: Serving Others, Faith, Love, Forgiveness, Determination and Stewardship, ensure that children practice key learning behaviours that support the school’s vision to create valued members of our community.

Democracy

Pupil voice is valued at our school. Pupils have the opportunities to contribute to the improvement of our school through the school council. The elections of members of the School Council are based on pupil votes.

Parents and children complete regular questionnaires and comments are used to improve the school.

The Rule of Law

A consistently applied Behaviour Policy is shared with the children and visible in all areas of the school. Expectations are reinforced regularly and opportunities are sought frequently to praise positive choices. Pupils’ modelling behaviour consistent with the school’s high expectations are recognised and used as role models to others.

Through Collective Worship and the school’s PSHE curriculum, children develop an understanding of law appropriate to their age. Visits from other external agencies such as the Fire service, Health professionals and ‘People who help us’ reinforces their understanding of the responsibilities held by various professions.

Individual Liberty

Children are valued for their differences and there is a wide variety of extra-curricular clubs to enable children to try new things, develop new skills and practice existing ones. Care is taken to provide equal opportunities for all genders.

Time and care is taken to know each child as an individual and regular circle time sessions give children a chance to share their feelings and options in a safe way.

Mutual Respect

Class rules are agreed at the beginning of each academic year to set clear expectations of respectful behaviour.  If pupils show disrespect to one another, this is dealt with immediately through the school’s behaviour policy and where appropriate Parents/Carers are contacted. Time is given for repair and restoration and to talk about the behaviour which is disrespectful to others.   Regular circle time and various well-being events are held across the year. During these sessions, children are taught to value differences in others and themselves and to respect others.

A consistent behaviour policy is in place and children take responsibility, with support when needed, to resolve conflict and repair relationships.

Children participate in regular sporting events and competitions. These ensure children experience competitive events and have an opportunity to apply their sportsmanship skills with other schools.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

The school follows the Blackburn Diocese RE syllabus which ensures that the children learn about all the main religions of the world. Collective Worship contributes to the knowledge of special occasions and children and their families come to share with the school information about how they celebrate these events at home. The local clergy visit the school for Collective Worship on a weekly basis and talks to the children. These talks coincide with main events occurring in the Christian calendar such as Advent. The children attend Church on a regular basis. Where appropriate, we provide our children with Educational visits to different places of worship and participate in Community Cohesion projects with schools within different areas of the community.

Through the National Curriculum, we will:

• Teach our pupils a broad and balanced international history.
• Represent the cultures of all of our pupils across the subject.
• Teach a wide range of English and non-English literature.
• Commemorate World War 1 and 2.
• Demonstrate the historical importance of the Commonwealth.

Through our Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural programme, we will:

• Enable students to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence.
• Enable students to distinguish right from wrong and to respect the civil and criminal law of England.
• Encourage students to accept responsibility for their behaviour, show initiative, and to understand how they can contribute positively to the lives of those living and working in the locality of the school and to society more widely.
• Enable students to acquire a broad general knowledge of, and respect for, public institutions and services in England.
• Further tolerance and harmony between different cultural traditions by enabling students to acquire an appreciation of, and respect for, their own and other cultures.
• Encourage respect for other people.
• Encourage respect for democracy and support for participation in the democratic processes, including respect for the basis on which the law is made and applied in England.

We see British Values as underpinning what it is to be a citizen in a modern and diverse Britain. They allow us to create environments free from discrimination, intolerance and hate. They help us to challenge prejudice and stereotyping, whilst strengthening relationships within the community.

We wholeheartedly adopt the ethos that every child does matter and believe that we can inspire all members of our school community to achieve their full potential by providing an environment which is dedicated to creating a love of learning within a Christian context.