British Values
As part of the Equalities Act, Fairways Primary School sets out its definition of British values as:
- democracy
- the rule of law
- individual liberty
- mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
We focus on, through our curriculum and day-to-day interactions, embedding and promoting fundamental British values.
The DfE state 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 were reiterated in 2014. At Fairways Primary School these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy
At the start of each school year the children decide upon their class rules and the rights and responsibilities associated with these. All the children contribute to the drawing up of the rules using our values of Respect, Responsibility and Perseverance as a base. At the start of each term, time is given to reflecting on these rights and responsibilities and suggesting any alterations/ amendments.
Pupil voice is significant in regards to life at Fairways. Our pupil elected School Council plays a strong role in our school. They are elected by their class peers and are involved in making the school a better place to learn. The School Council meets at least monthly and with other members of staff in order to express views and opinions. Pupil questionnaires and interviews are also conducted throughout the year. We know that the formation of the School Council and the active participation of our pupils will sow the seeds for a more sophisticated understanding of democracy in the future.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at Fairways Primary School. Pupils are taught from an early age the rules of the school. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and 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 and Fire Service help reinforce this message.
Individual Liberty
At Fairways Primary 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 informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our eSafety and PSHE lessons. We also offer a range of clubs which pupils have the freedom to choose from, based on their interests.
Mutual Respect and Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs
Mutual respect is at the core of our school life. Students learn to treat each other and staff with great respect. This is evident when walking around the school and in the classrooms. Our school has a strong family atmosphere and sense of community and offers a variety of development opportunities for all our children, parents and staff. Our pupils will discuss aspects that affect them as they know we listen and value what they are saying.
Pupils are helped to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life. We actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures. Religious Education lessons, assemblies 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.
Actively promoting also means challenging pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British values.
Extremism does not form any part of our curriculum or teaching and our students are encouraged to respect other people and no student is discriminated against contrary to the Equality Act 2010.
The spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) teaching and learning at Fairways actively promotes the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs, and encourage students to respect other people, with particular regard to the protected characteristics set out in the Equality Act 2010.
The welfare, health and safety standard of Fairways is maintained through a variety of policies and risk assessments in place to safeguard and promote students’ welfare.