British Values
Promoting British Values at The Federated Catholic Schools of the Waveney Valley.
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 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 have been reiterated this year (2014). The Federation of The Catholic Schools of The Waveney Valley ensure these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy
Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our Pupil Council, which has its own budget, and annual Pupil questionnaires which are created and analysed by the pupils themselves - leading to real changes within the school which the pupils can see and measure. The annual elections of House Captains, are based solely on pupil votes following carefully planned campaigns for election.
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 regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. At the beginning of each new school year the children decide upon their own class rules and discuss the consequences of going against these rules as well as the benefits to all in upholding the rules. 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. 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 young pupils to make choices safely, through provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advise how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons.
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. Positive relationships are encouraged and our older children become ‘buddies’ to our younger children to demonstrate respect and tolerance for others, as well as providing a supportive friend and guide.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
We actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures. Religious Education lessons and PSHE lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others.
Members of different faiths and religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. The children learn about other cultures through our broad and balanced curriculum.
