British Values at Highfield J&I School
The DfE requires every school 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 Highfield School, we develop and promote British Values throughout our school and within our curriculum. We deliver a values-based curriculum that is built upon our own school values. The British values themselves link to our school values that underpin the life of our school:
Respect Equality Inspiration Determination Honesty Friendship
Our values aim to instil and develop the qualities that we believe will enable our children to navigate their way through life, playing an active and positive role in everyday life.
To do this we:
- Develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self- confidence
- Develop a sense of pride in their own identity
- Develop their understanding of right from wrong and to respect the rules of the school and the laws of Britain
- Encourage pupils to accept responsibility for their behaviours and understand how to make positive changes
- Promote tolerance and harmony by enabling pupils to acquire an appreciation and respect for their own and other cultures
- Teach children about the protected characteristics in order that they learn to respect others, celebrate diversity and recognise prejudice and discrimination
- Teach pupils to respect other people, animals and the world around them
- Teach pupils to understand and respect democratic processes
As a school we promote British values in a number of ways:
Democracy
Pupil voice is very important at Highfield. Pupils are asked their opinions and suggestions, and these are taken seriously. We work with our children to develop their opinions and ability to articulate them. Within school, pupils have roles of responsibility. Head pupils and school prefects are selected through a democratic process and these pupils make a valuable contribution to the development of the school. We also have a school council that is selected democratically. The understanding of democracy as a concept is taught through our curriculum, particularly through the areas of Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE) and history.
The Rule of Law
Throughout their time at school, pupils develop their understanding of what is right and what is wrong. We have school rules and expectations that pupils know, understand, and follow. Pupils understand why these rules are important and older pupils encourage younger pupils to follow them. Our pupil leaders play an active role in this. Through daily school life, and explicitly in PSHE lessons, pupils develop their understanding of actions, responsibilities and consequences. Visits from/to authorities such as the police, fire service are regular parts of our curriculum and help reinforce this message.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
This is achieved through enhancing pupils’ understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Learning about a wide range of different religions in Religious Education and learning about protected characteristics in PSHE offer these opportunities and also support in discussions around the issue of prejudice. We have a fully representative curriculum that provides children with the opportunity to see, learn about and celebrate the contributions of people from all walks of life.
Mutual Respect
It is an expectation at that the school community demonstrate a respectful attitude at all times. Discussions, assemblies, team games in Physical Education and PSHE lessons across the school help to reinforce this message. Bullying is not tolerated, and pupils are taught about the different types of bullying, why they might occur and discuss possible strategies for dealing with incidents should they witness any. In the early years, children begin to develop their understanding of others through planned learning opportunities within the areas of ‘Understanding the World’ and ‘Personal, Social and Emotional Development’. Again, our representative curriculum develops children’s respect for all people that they encounter.
Individual Liberty
We wholeheartedly support the aims enshrined in the UNICEF Rights of the Child and promote these through the PSHE curriculum and the work of the pastoral team. Within School, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. From the earliest age, pupils exercise individual freedoms through their child-initiated learning. As a school, we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make choices safely through the provision of a safe environment and empowering education.
Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely.
Collective Worship
Collective worship is focused on our school values which link to the British Values. Through collective worship, pupils learn the importance of being kind, caring and respecting others indiscriminately. Our weekly whole school assembly is led by the senior leadership team and explores current affairs and themes based around the protected characteristics. Safeguarding assemblies support pupils in understanding rules for keeping themselves and others safe