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
"We encourage pupils to respect the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect, and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs. We ensure that partisan political views are not promoted in the teaching of any subject in the school and where political issues are brought to the attention of the pupils, reasonable, practical steps have been taken to offer a balanced presentation of opposing views."
At Sherard Primary School, we value the diverse ethnic backgrounds of all pupils and families and undertake a variety of lessons and activities to celebrate these. We also recognise that regardless of our individual cultural heritage and background that we all belong to a wider British community with values that are important to us all.
At Sherard 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 School Council and pupil questionnaires. The pupils also have the opportunity to vote suitable candidates to represent school in other ways such as Head Boy and Head Girl.
The Rule of Law:
The importance of Laws, whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school collective worship. 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.
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 through a provision of empowering education in a safe environment. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to do this through regular interaction with their teacher and PSHE and ESafety lessons. Whether it be through choice of challenge within the lesson, how they record their work, participation in extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
Mutual Respect:
Part of our school behaviour policy is based upon 'Respect' of one another. This is seen in class rules around the school and we believe at Sherard that we should treat each other as we would like to be treated our self. This respect also extends to understanding and appreciating the differences and challenges that others face, within school and outside.
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. Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE.