British Values

The Department for Education state that there is a need “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values of:

Democracy,
The rule of law,
Individual liberty,
Mutual respect,
Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy and these values were reiterated by the Prime Minister in 2014.

At Joseph Hood Primary School, we are committed to these values and believe it is important that these are integrated into every aspect of school life. Our school values tree displays all the values promoted across our school.

Democracy
Democracy is embedded at the school. Pupil voice plays a big part in life at Joseph Hood Primary School. Pupils are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and with concern to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard. Pupils also have the opportunity to air their opinions and ideas through our School Council, our Red Hat Team and questionnaires. Elections are held for the School Council members, and are based on pupil votes, reflecting our British electoral system and demonstrating democracy in action. In addition we organise visits to the local Council and Houses of Parliament, as well as in Year 6, holding debates and ‘mock elections’ so pupils learn how to argue and defend points of view. Pupils also have input into their learning and help to make decisions about what they would like to learn.

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 our school day, through our school assemblies, PSHE and also when dealing with behaviour in school. We encourage our pupils to distinguish right from wrong and help pupils to understand that living under the rule of law protects individuals and keeps us all safe. Children are involved in creating school and class rules and understand the reasons behind rules and the consequences if they 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 our pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and an empowering education. We support pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence. We promote a choice and challenge curriculum, giving children more freedom to determine their own learning and challenge themselves. E-safety sessions, PSHE and assemblies educate children on their rights and freedoms, as well as educating them in how to exercise these safely. We display the Unicef “Rights of the Child” posters around school and actively promote these in school life.

Mutual Respect
At the heart of our whole school ethos is a commitment to respect. Respect for each other and ourselves underpins our school community as shown by our actions and choices. This is taught through assemblies and PSHE sessions and forms a key part of our daily dialogue across school. Respect is promoted across school and it is deeply embedded in all that we do at the school. The pupils understand that it is expected and know it is imperative that respect is shown to everyone, whatever differences we may have, and to everything, however big or small. Children are encouraged to perform acts of random kindness and each week these are celebrated in school. We speak many different languages in our school and come from a range of different ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds and together we learn and form the “Joseph Hood” family; a family that is based on absolute respect for each other.

Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs
Our core value of Respect ensures tolerance of those who have different faiths and beliefs. Joseph hood Primary School enhances pupils understanding of different faiths and beliefs through religious education studies; PSHE work; welcoming visitors from other faiths and cultures, and enjoying a depth of study during themed weeks. Our school community is drawn from a variety of cultural backgrounds and we strongly believe that tolerance is gained through education and understanding. Through our school curriculum and the routines of our school life, we strive to demonstrate tolerance and help our children to become knowledgeable and understanding citizens who can build a better global future.