British Values

At Broomhill Junior School we uphold and teach pupils about British values as directed under new Ofsted guidance, September 2014. These new regulations will sit alongside the requirements of the Equalities Act, which also applies to all types of school.

 

Promoting British values at Broomhill Junior School

Our approach to promoting British values centres around five key elements. These are:

• democracy
• the rule of law
• individual liberty
• mutual respect
• tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

 

At Broomhill children encounter these principles throughout everyday school life. The curriculum is mapped in detail across the whole school. These are also taught explicitly taught through SEAL, Citizenship and RE. We deliver a broad and balanced curriculum which is underpinned by our vision and values, designed to promote British values.

The curriculum is mapped in detail across the whole school. Listed below are some examples of how we promote these values in our school community:

 

Democracy

Pupil voice is significant in regards to life at Broomhill. Our pupil elected school council plays a strong role in our school. They are elected by their class peers and are involved in making our school a better place to learn. Pupils have a great amount of input in regards to what and how they learn, which promotes pupil voice.

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

Our pupils will encounter rules and laws throughout their entire lives. We want our pupils to understand that whether these laws govern the class, the school, the neighbourhood or the country, they are set for good reasons and must be adhered to.

This understanding of the importance of rules will be consistently reinforced through assemblies and our curriculum. The involvement of our pupils in the creation of the school rules helps them to understand the reasons behind the rules and the consequences if they are broken. Throughout the year we welcome visits from members of the wider community in order to reinforce the need to adhere to a common set of rules. We believe that clear explanations and real life stories emphasise the importance of the rule of law for our pupils.

Our approach to behaviour also reinforces this concept by making children more aware of why rules are important and the consequences for ourselves and others if these rules are broken. Our children are well aware of how our behaviour impacts on others.

 

Individual Liberty

We invest a great deal of time in creating a positive culture in our school, so that children are in a safe environment where choices and freedoms are encouraged. In lessons, learning tasks are often left for the child to decide upon. We encourage children to choose the task that will challenge them, giving them more freedom to determine their own learning. We offer a range of clubs which pupils have the freedom to choose from, based on their interests. Through our approach to E-Safety, Sex and Relationship Education and SEAL we educate children on their rights and personal freedoms as well as supporting them in recognising how to exercise these freedoms safely. At Broomhill we believe that valuing choice and freedom in daily school life will foster a value for individual liberty as the children embark upon their adult lives.

 

Mutual respect

Mutual respect is at the core of our school vision and values. Children learn to treat each other and staff with great respect. This is evident when walking around the school and in the classrooms. Relationships are, I believe, a real strength of the school and real reason for our success.

 

Tolerance (understanding) of those of different faiths and beliefs

At Broomhill we offer a culturally diverse curriculum in which all major religions are studied and respected. We strongly believe that tolerance (understanding)is gained through knowledge and respect. Through our curriculum and the routines of our daily school life, we strive to demonstrate tolerance (understanding) and help children to become knowledgeable and respectful citizens who can build a better Britain for the future.

 

In addition to our curriculum, last year we promoted British values through:

• our anti-homophobic bullying campaign and anti-bullying week

• DARE

• community work such as our links to local churches and charities

• our Green team

• development of our School Improvement Plan

• residential trips

• Y6 Broomhill Leaders

• our farm initiative

• links with Children’s Centre

• strong commitment to sport and P.E.

 

This year we will build on this work through:

• Forest School

• expanding our school resources to include positive representations of people from minority groups eg. story books with same sex parents

• regular assemblies.