Promoting Fundamental British Values
In accordance with The Department for Education we aim to actively promote British values in schools to ensure young people leave school prepared for life in modern Britain.
Pupils are encouraged to regard people of all faiths, races and cultures with respect and tolerance and understand that while different people may hold different views about what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, all people living in England are subject to its law.
The Key Values are:
• democracy
• rule of law
• individual liberty
• mutual respect
• tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
The schools use strategies within the National Curriculum and beyond to secure such outcomes for students. The examples that follow show some of the many ways that Norton and West Chinnock Schools seek to embed British values.
Democracy
The principle of democracy is consistently being reinforced at the schools, with democracy processes being used for important decisions within the school community, for instance, elections being held for school council or other positions of responsibility. The principle of democracy is also explored in the History and Religious Studies curriculum as well as in class time and assemblies.
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 Norton and West Chinnock Schools. Pupils are taught the rules and expectations of the school which are highlighted by the schools behaviour policy and in class contracts. Pupils are taught the value and the reasons behind laws that 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 reinforce this message.
Individual liberty
At Norton and West Chinnock, pupils are actively encouraged to make independent choices, with the knowledge that they are in a safe, secure and supportive environment. Staff educate and provide boundaries for 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 are advised on how to exercise these safely, for example through e-safety.
Mutual Respect
Respect is a strong part of Norton and West Chinnock Schools and is one of our Core Christian Values. Pupils learn that their behaviours has an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect and this is reiterated through its teaching and learning environments.
Mutual respect is embraced throughout the curriculum by providing the opportunity for pupils to express their views in a safe environment.
Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
This is achieved though equipping pupils with the ability to understand their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving the opportunities to experience such diversity within the school community. Pupils benefit from a number of visitors, including from other continents and cultures. Additionally, pupils are actively encouraged to share their faith and beliefs within the school and celebrate festivities throughout the calendar year. The Religious Education curriculum, provides a broad and balanced education on a range of faiths, religions and cultures.
Norton and West Chinnock Schools strive endlessly to ensure that their pupils leave with the strongest foundation of values upon which to build a successful life and a successful contribution to our Society.