How do we promote these British Values at Town End Junior School ?
We learn the fundamentals of these values through our curriculum and daily activities in school. See below.
Democracy
The fundamentals of Democracy are taught in our Ancient Greece topic, as children learn about early democracy. It is developed and promoted through democratic discussion and voting for school council representatives, and encouraged within the school with Pupil voice heard in assemblies, class and school decision making. Pupil questionnaires seek views for responses to changes and for further improvements which pupils feel would improve their school, for example Senior leaders consult pupils’ opinions on changes in timetables, learning, topics and resources. We challenge injustice; discuss injustices in school such as equality between boys and girls, injustices in the past e.g. Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King, as well as challenging and discussing ‘Daily World News’ issues which arise e.g. Elections and the devolution of Scotland in 2014. We consider it important to address fears and concerns in the news and through these reinforce our own British democracy values.
The Rule of Law
School rules are reinforced and agreed by all pupils and parents in the home school agreement at the beginning of each year and with termly reminders in assemblies through our 5R’s . Our children are taught right from wrong and understand that behaviour can earn rewards or lead to consequences. Children who consistency apply rules are celebrated regularly and those who do not understand that this leads to ‘think slips’ – time to reconsider choices made and what rule ‘law’ they may have broken. These rewards and consequences are reinforced through celebration and reminders about why laws and rules exist; to protect and keep us safe, and reflect laws of society in general. The weekly attendance cup, and certificates for improved attendance are supported by conversations concerning attendance at school as a rule of law. Regular visits by the Tibshelf PCSO, Derbyshire Fire service and Road safety teams in classes and assemblies reinforces key issues in the community and develops respect for emergency services and societies rules.
Individual Liberty
Pupils say that in school they feel safe and secure; this is our foundation for helping pupils to make choices and learn from any mistakes. Through our teaching we encourage pupils to ‘have a go’ and challenge themselves and make considered choices. Pupils know they will be listened to and can express their opinions, including through learning about their own and others safety in Anti-bullying week and E-safety lessons. Pupils’ express their freedom of choice in class and in school council meetings. Pupil discussions also take place with Senior Leaders and with each other, such as with the Y6 minileaders on the playground. Pupils work together towards achieving team points and winning the end of term team point challenge. In addition, we support the work of Child Line and workshops for older pupils reinforce freedoms of speech.
Mutual Respect
We have high expectations of behaviour and expect pupils to show the same respect and courtesy to all adults in school, including visitors. Restorative practices are used by staff to teach pupils to see, understand and value the ‘other side’ of issues, and thus learn to respect other pupils’ points of view. Our school rules and behaviour policy reiterate the respect for the right of the teacher to teach and respect for pupils to learn. The children hold many positions of responsibility in school and wear badges to show their roles; such as prefects, buddies, mini leaders, tuck shop leaders. They expect respect from other pupils. All pupils are treated with equal respect regardless of needs; pupils are aware that some children need additional support and we promote tolerance and respect of differences through discussion and having an open and clear inclusion policy.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
We recognise the importance of teaching pupils in Tibshelf about the diversity of faiths and beliefs in wider society. We do this by giving pupils’ opportunities to learn about other major world religions through Assemblies and weekly RE lessons. Members of different faiths or religions within the school community, such as our Jewish family, enhance pupils’ understanding with first hand sharing of beliefs, experiences, customs and celebrations. Any prejudice based bullying is resolved in discussions and supported by learning in Religious Education and Personal, Social and Health Education. Town End has been awarded the International Schools award as we work alongside other schools in France and are currently developing links with a school in Dubai.