Promoting British Values

British Values

‘It is evident through their personal development lessons that pupils are very well taught about online safety, the risk of radicalisation, sexual orientation, and personal and social responsibility. This ensure that pupils are well prepared for life in modern Britain’ OFSTED 2017

 British Values at Victoria Drive PRU

Under DfE guidance, November 2014, we at Victoria Drive PRU take opportunities to actively promote British Values, defined by the government as the following:

• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect
• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

At Victoria Drive PRU we teach a broad and balanced curriculum which includes elements of democracy, civic responsibility, rules and laws, the monarchy, equality, values and virtues, environmental awareness and understanding of other faiths.

Actively promoting British Values also refers to challenging pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values. Values of tolerance and respect permeate all areas of school life. This creates a climate within which pupils feel safe and secure and facilitates the fulfilment of potential. Pupil voice plays an integral part in driving the school forward and school rules at different levels are seen as the foundation upon which this can be achieved. The following are a selection of activities that are evidence of our commitment to British values.

Democracy

Honest expression of opinions and the right to speak and to show their voice. Pupils take part in daily class meetings to identify decisions regarding shared problems. Our topic on ‘Getting on and Falling out’ focuses on the importance of using your voice, parliament and local democracy.

The Rule of Law:

The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, 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. Where possible, pupils are involved in setting rules for their classrooms, playground and lunchtimes.

Individual Liberty:

Within school, the children are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. Pupils are encouraged to make positive choices using the language of choice. During difficult decisions pupils are given options and encouraged to identify the consequences to their actions.

A PSHE focused curriculum develops opportunities for regular learning around complex social issues to support pupils to have relevant information for making their choices.

Mutual Respect:

Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy has revolved around Core Values such as ‘Respect’, and pupils have been part of discussions and to what this means and how it is shown.

We actively promote respect for our environment and encourage children to look after it.

We actively challenge prejudice and discrimination towards others based on any of the protected characteristics.

The curriculum teaches pupils Social Emotional Aspects of Learning (SEAL) to support pupils to use appropriate vocabulary.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:

This is achieved through enhancing of children’s understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity.

Discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying are followed and supported by learning in PSHE.

We give opportunities to discover a range of different celebrations and religious festivals e.g. Chinese New Year, Christmas, Easter, Diwali, Eid etc.

Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.

At Victoria Drive PRU we take part in annual Poppy Day commemorations where children and staff hold two minute’s silence is held.