British Values

British Values

These values are at the core of all we do whether it be through our assemblies, our RE curriculum, our Relationships and Sex Education, PSHE lessons or through other areas of the curriculum. The term British values can be somewhat misleading as these values are integral to so many countries across the world.

Being Part of Britain  

Our curriculum reflects, celebrates and teaches children about diversity. For example, in RE children learn about the four main religions of Christianity, Islam, Judaism and Hinduism. They compare and contrast marriage customs and naming ceremony customs, for example, and have opportunities to visit places of worship. Throughout the year we celebrate being part of Britain. In general terms this means we celebrate events such as Christmas, Harvest, Mothering Sunday, Remembrance Day. In addition, we always take part in key British events. For such events we hold parades, tea parties, performances and do additional curriculum classroom work about how such events relate to being British.

Democracy

The annual election and work of our new Pupil Parliament reflects British democracy. They will be proactive in developing their powerful voice and having their voice heard. In addition, Pupil Parliament will lead and organise our charity work throughout the year. This will include days such as Odd Socks Day for the Anti-Bullying Alliance and Red Nose Day. This fostering of a commitment to charities is another way in which we teach a sense of Britishness.

At Hinchliffe Mill we make decisions together. We encourage children to see their role in the bigger picture, to know their views count, value each other’s views and values and talk about their feelings, for example when they do or do not need help, e.g. voting. We support the decisions that children make and provide activities that involve turn-taking, sharing and collaboration. Children are given opportunities to develop enquiring minds in an atmosphere where questions are valued.

Rules and Laws

Children are taught the importance of rules and laws and how the ones in school reflect those in our country. Children are taught the reasons behind rules and that they are there to keep us safe and happy. Each class has its own charter and positive behaviour reinforcements are operated throughout the school. Visits form authority figures in society such as the fire brigade, local councillors, MPs and our school governors demonstrate to children how rules and laws are an integral part of a safe and happy Britain. Right from Early Years we ensure that children understand their own and others’ behaviour and its consequences, and learn to distinguish right from wrong. We provide opportunities for children to collaborate to create the rules and the codes of behaviour, for example, to agree the rules about tidying up and ensure that all children understand rules apply to everyone.

‍Individual Liberty

Alongside rules and laws, we promote freedom of choice and the right to respectfully express our views and beliefs as an integral part of what it is to be British. Children may choose to take part in our range of extra curricular activities. They have a broad choice of lunchtime play areas and activities, including sport. They are involved in their own learning and respond to their learning by feedback systems and self review of marking. They are taught how to use their choices and freedoms safely through our curriculum in areas such as e-safety, anti-bullying, sex and relationship education and drugs awareness education. We help children develop a positive sense of themselves through our PSHE Curriculum and provide opportunities for children to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and increase their confidence in their own abilities, for example in Early Years through allowing children to take risks safely in Forest School and talking about their experiences and learning. We plan a range of experiences that allow children to explore the language of feelings and responsibility, reflect on their differences and understand we are free to have different opinions.

Mutual Respect and Tolerance

Our children are taught and know how to show respect to everyone no matter what our differences may be. We celebrate this diversity in our curriculum. Examples include our celebrations of different religious festivals throughout the year, the participation of all our children, including those with a disability, in all our curriculum activities and the regular staff diversity training we undertake to ensure this inclusive practice remains integral to our work. Behaviours which are contrary to these British values are actively challenged, whether they come from children, parents or staff members. At Hinchliffe Mill we have created an ethos of inclusivity and tolerance where views, faiths, cultures and races are valued and children are engaged with the wider community. We discuss similarities and differences between themselves and others and among families, faiths, communities, cultures and traditions and share and discuss practices, celebrations and experiences. Children are taught the importance of tolerant behaviours such as sharing and respecting other’s opinions. We promote diverse attitudes and challenge stereotypes, for example, sharing stories that reflect and value the diversity of children’s experiences and providing resources and activities that challenge gender, cultural and racial stereotyping.