British Values
Promoting British Values at Bishop Tufnell Primary School
British values are a very important part of our curriculum. Our teaching programme promotes the following key principles:
- An understanding of how citizens can influence decision-making through the democratic process.
- An understanding that participation in elections by those opposed to democracy should be allowed by law, but the success of such candidates is undesirable for the well-being of society if it would lead to the end of democracy.
- An understanding that bodies such as the police and the army can be held to account by the people, through the democratic organs of government.
- An understanding that the freedom to hold other faiths and beliefs is protected in law and an acceptance that other people having different faiths or beliefs to oneself (or having none) should not be the cause of prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour.
We promote these principles by:
- including within the curriculum age-appropriate examples of the advantages and disadvantages of democracy and law in Britain, compared to other forms of government in other countries
- ensuring that all pupils have a voice that is listened to through democratic processes such as the School Council
- using opportunities such as local and national elections to hold mock elections to promote British values and to provide learners with opportunities to argue and defend different points of view
- considering the role of extra-curricular activities and off-site visits in promoting fundamental British values
As part of promoting British values, we encourage children to explore what is "Britishness" and acknowledge four key areas of learning:
Democracy
Democracy is part of our working practice at the school. Pupils are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and with concern for each other. We respect the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard. Pupils have their own voice and are able to air their opinions and ideas though our School Council and through representation on cross-school groups such as the Eco-Warriors and the Sports Ambassadors. The election of the School Council members and of pastoral House Captains is based on pupil votes, demonstrating democracy in action.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws, whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced. Our core values are reflected in children's routines every day. Each class follows a school code of conduct which is based on strong core values within an optimistic growth culture. We believe that all learners can succeed and meet high expectations. Our behaviour policy, as well as promoting good behaviour and effort, also makes it clear that if rules are broken then there are consequences. Children take part in reflecting and identifying how to make amends. Our children are also taught that there are laws to protect us and that when these laws are broken we are potentially putting ourselves in danger and could find ourselves in trouble, e.g. for inappropriate use of social media.
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 our pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and an empowering education. Our pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely; examples of this can be clearly seen in Collective Worship and PSHCE. Whether it is through choice of challenge in maths, of how they work in groups and record their work or their choice to participate in one or more of our numerous extra-curricular activities, our pupils are given the freedom to make choices and to reflect on the impact of the choices they make.
Mutual Respect of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs
Respect is one of the values that drive our ethos. Through our use of working with others and use of study buddies or talk partners, the children are taught to work in harmony with others regardless of differences in attainment or gender. We emphasise the right and responsibility of every child to learn. We ensure that children understand that they need to consider their actions carefully so that they do not detract from learning and therefore affect the right of others to learn.
Bishop Tufnell CE Primary School enhances pupils' understanding of different faiths and beliefs through Religious Education Collective Worship and other areas of the curriculum such as the cross-curricular Learning Journeys. This is further enhanced through carefully planned educational visits and by welcoming parents and visitors from outside the school. Through this our pupils gain an enhanced understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and nation. Due to the relative lack of cultural diversity in this locality, we make every effort to highlight important global events such as Chinese New Year. As a church aided school, the Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development of learners is very important and is currently graded outstanding in the last SIAMS inspection report.
Prevention of Radicalisation
All members of the school community are aware of the danger of radicalisation, particularly through the internet, and all staff have received training in how to deal with this danger. Prevention of radicalisation forms part of all of our safeguarding policies. The Headteacher is the point of contact if liaison is required with other agencies through the local "Channel" procedures.