Wood End Primary School

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.”

 

‘Promoting fundamental British values as part of SMSC in schools. Departmental advice for maintained schools.’ November 2014.

 

At Wood End Primary school these values are reinforced consistently and in the following ways:

 

Democracy:

Democracy is promoted and valued within the school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our school Council elections democratic process. Pupils give speeches and presentations before peer voting takes place. House Captains are also elected by their peers.

 

At the beginning of each school year, class rules (‘Promises’ in EYFS) are discussed and a class charter written and agreed in each class. Pupils in each class have responsibilities for class helpers. Year 6 pupils also have additional whole school responsibilities.

 

The Rule of Law:

At Wood End we actively promote British values and will challenge opinions or behaviours in school that are contrary to fundamental British values. Teaching staff uphold public trust in the profession and maintain high standards of ethics and behaviour, within and outside school. This includes not undermining fundamental British values.

 

We aim to enable all of our pupils to distinguish right from wrong and to respect the civil and criminal law of England. Pupils are expected and encouraged to accept responsibility for their behaviour. School rules are consistently reinforced and the school’s assertive discipline policy includes a variety of rewards including Special Mention certificates, Marvellous Manners tickets, house points.

 

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 including local community officers; Fire Service; are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message. Pupils are involved in deciding class rules and pupil charters linked to anti-bullying and SMSC outcomes.

 

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. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights, including how to safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it be through choice of challenge or of participation in our extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices and to respect the decisions and choices of others.

 

Promoting British Values at Wood End Primary School
At Wood End we have a strong ‘Telling Culture’. This aspect of our whole school
ethos, “We Care” , aims to reduce peer pressure and empower our young people to be free
of intimidation or bullying.

 

Mutual Respect:

Our school ethos, “We Care” , in conjunction with our Assertive Discipline policy and PSHE policy are all centred around Core Values such as ‘Relationships’, working collaboratively and demonstrating respect for all of those around us.

In addition, at Wood End we have a Prefect Team consisting of Year 5 and Year 6 pupils. The pupils are appointed following a rigorous procedure involving a written application, a formal interview with a senior leader and the vice-chair of the governing committee and at least one formal meeting including the candidate’s parent(s)/carer(s). The Prefects have a strict and high standard code of conduct to follow.

 

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 through experiences such as:

Assemblies led by local religious leaders

Class discussions in RE and PSHE lessons;

Religious festival days (Diwali, Chinese New Year, Christmas);

Ensuring that books, role play equipment and other resources represent ethnic diversity. It is important that children can see themselves and their family reflected in play activities, visual images and books in order to develop a secure and positive sense of their own identity.

Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. Pupils also visit a variety of local places of worship during their time at Wood End, e.g. local Gurdwara; Methodist church. Through our RE curriculum (Wolverhampton Agreed syllabus), pupils are taught the main faiths and learn both ‘about’ religion and ‘from’ religion, promoting the tolerance of beliefs of others.