British Values
At Brandling Primary School we display true British values in all that we do.
We encourage our children to be creative, unique, open-minded and independent individuals, respectful of themselves and of others, in our local community and the wider world.
The breadth and balance of our curriculum and ethos promotes life in modern Britain. We work hard to nurture our children so they grow into safe, caring, democratic, responsible and tolerant adults who make a positive difference to British society and the world. Our PSHE, Citizenship and SMSC work adds a valuable dimension to all this work.
Democracy
- We teach pupils how they can influence decision making through the democratic process by giving them opportunities to vote on key decisions that affect them. For example, pupils select pupil’s voice representatives for our School Council through a democratic vote and vote for team captains to represent each house. We work hard to develop an understanding of our democratic process. This has included a visit from the parliamentary education service to discuss how government and voting system operates. We involve children in the running of the school by giving them positions of responsibility including buddies and Health and Safety officers to support staff and governors in carrying out the termly health and safety check.
- Pupil voice extends to the whole school when we play an active part in improvements to our community; e.g. ideas for Felling Park, involvement in community events for Felling Pit Disaster and rewards for house treat etc.
- We model how a perceived injustice can be challenged peacefully through adult interactions with pupils, use of our behaviour policy and through discussions of pertinent scenarios in class and assemblies.
The Rule of Law
- We firmly establish how pupils can distinguish between right and wrong, both through everyday interactions with pupils as well as in sharing stories, fables and other literary materials used in PSHE and literacy.
- We help children to respect the law and the basis on which it is made by showing how rules help communities to operate safely and fairly as well as protecting the most vulnerable in our society. Visitors like the police and fire service inform children of the age of criminal responsibility and how to behave appropriately in society.
- Children develop their own code of conduct through their classroom rules and encourage children to be courteous and respectful to adults by keeping doors open, etc.
- Children adhere to school policies, respecting their purpose in ensuring they remain safe and happy in school (eg behaviour policy, health and safety policy, attendance policy)
Individual liberty
- We implement a strong anti-bullying message and involve children in producing our anti bullying policy. We also hold anti-bullying days in school. We have buddies to support children at playtime and children know who these are and who they can go to.
- Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms safely – for example, through our E-Safety lessons in computing and in PSHE lessons.
- We challenge stereotypes through our assembly themes
Social, Moral, Spiritual and cultural
The spiritual development of pupils is shown in their:
- Ability to reflect about their own beliefs, religious or otherwise
- Interest and respect for different people’s faiths, feelings and values
- Sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning about themselves, others and the world around them
The moral development is shown in their:
- Ability to recognise the difference between right and wrong
- Understanding of the consequences of their behaviours and actions
- Ability to appreciate the viewpoints of others
The social development of pupils is shown in their:
- Willingness to participate in a variety of social settings, be comfortable to operate with younger and older children and a wider range of different adults
- Ability to accept and engage with the fundamental British values of democracy
- Ability to demonstrate skills and attitudes that will allow them to participate fully in and contribute to life in modern Britain.
The cultural development of pupils is shown in their:
- Understanding and appreciation of the wide range of different cultures in their preparation for life in modern Britain
- Willingness to participate in and respond positively to artistic, sporting and cultural opportunities
