British Values
The DfE make clear 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.
At Great Bradfords Junior School, these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy:
Democracy is rife within the school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our Pupil School Council. Children elected through a democratic voting system to be part of this committee, represent the views of their classmates on various issues. The children also get the opportunity to vote for their House Captain representative. They are frequently encouraged to work as teams to make decisions and to hear and respect the views of all parties. Where a decision cannot be made, voting is encouraged.
The Rule of Law:
The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school or
country, are consistently reinforced throughout the school day, as well as when dealing with behaviour. 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. Through assemblies, we reinforce these messages including having visitors from authorities such as the Police.
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 pupils to make choices safely, through of provision of a safe environment and 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 e-Safety and PSHE/RSE lessons. Pupils are able to make educated choices around challenge, how they record their learning, participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and other opportunities as they arise.
Mutual Respect:
The school promotes respect for others and this is reiterated in our classroom environments, as well as our behaviour policy. Our school Code of Conduct is: Be kind; Be safe; Be responsible, and it is stressed that children must also respect the rights of others to be treated kindly, to be safe and to be treated responsibly. Throughout our curriculum children learn to give their opinions constructively and respect those of others especially when they differ. Respect is also reinforced through working in teams.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:
In a recent Pupil Voice survey, 100% of pupils confirmed that our school encourages them to respect people from other backgrounds and to treat everyone equally. This is achieved through enhancing pupils understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society through our assemblies, Religious Education and PSHE curriculum. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. School resources are purchased with diversity in mind. Additionally, our local Reverend, Rev. Chand, is invited to contribute to assemblies on a regular basis.