At St Michael’s VA Junior School we uphold and teach pupils about the British Values.
We value the importance of and support the government guidance. As educators we recognise we have a duty to prepare our children for life in modern Britain and to keep them safe.
The British values are:-
- Democracy
- The Rule of Law
- Individual Liberty
- Mutual Respect
- Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
As a Church of England School we actively promote values, virtues and ethics that shape our pupils’ character and moral perspective, through the teachings of the Church. We follow Christ’s example where we love, respect and care for each other. We ensure that through our school vision, ethos, agreed rules, curriculum and teaching we promote respect and tolerance for all cultures, faiths and lifestyles.
Democracy – what do we do?
- Class voting for the election of school and eco-councillors;
- Provide pupils with a broad general knowledge of, and promote respect for, public institutions and services through our wider curriculum work;
- Teach pupils how they can influence decision-making through the democratic process;
- Taught through assemblies and our school curriculum;
- Encourage pupils to become involved in decision-making processes and ensure they are listened to in school;
- Help pupils to express their views through our oracy work and through regular pupil questionnaires and discussions;
- Model how perceived injustice can be peacefully challenged through our Restorative Approaches;
- Training children to be Peer Mediators.
Rule of law – what do we do?
- Ensure school rules and expectations are clear and fair;
- Help pupils to distinguish right from wrong;
- Help pupils to respect the law and the basis on which it is made;
- Help pupils to understand that living under the rule of law protects individuals;
- Explore within our PSHE/Life Skills lessons laws and what to do if peer pressure is trying to persuade children to break these;
- Working with the police in response to local crimes
Individual liberty – what do we do?
- Support pupils to develop their self-worth, self-knowledge, self-esteem, self-confidence;
- Encourage pupils to take responsibility for their behaviour, as well as knowing their rights;
- Supporting children to have a voice, present their points of view and frame discussion
- Challenge stereotypes;
- Implement a strong anti-bullying culture;
- Teach personal safety and internet safety throughout our curriculum
Mutual Respect and tolerance of different cultures and religions– what do we do?
- Develop pupils’ understanding of different cultures through our Race and Equality work. We have gained the Figtree Quality Mark at Silver level.
- Take part in the Schools of Sanctuary “Norfolk Welcomes” week raising awareness of refugees and asylum seekers.
- Explore positive role models from all cultures who reflect the protected characteristics of the 2010 Equality Act;
- Challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour;
- Organise visits to places of worship
- Our RE scheme ensures that our children have a good understanding of a range of religious beliefs and customs;
Help pupils to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life.
