Promoting Fundamental British Values at Darwen St James CEP Academy-

In accordance with The Department for Education, we aim to actively promote British values in our school 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 British Values are:

  • democracy

  • rule of law

  • individual liberty

  • mutual respect

  • tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

We have started this year, the thumb and finger model to help the children remember the British Values.

Thumb- Democracy - Thumb up or down

Index Finger - Rule of Law - Pointing

Middle Finger - Cultures and Religions - Tallest finger pointing to God.

Ring Finger - Mutual Respect - Wedding finger - Respecting other people

Little Finger - Individual Liberty - sticking out on its own

 

We actively promote British values through-

Focusing on and showing how the school's work is effective in securing these values along side our Christian Values.

Challenging pupils, staff, visitors or parents who express opinions contrary to British values.

Democracy – what do we do?

  • Class voting for the election of academy councillors at the start of the year;

  • Class voting for Worship Team members for their class;

  • Pupil voice includes - School council, Worship Team and Digital Leaders;

  • Provide pupils with a broad general knowledge of, and promote respect for, public institutions and services;

  • 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;

  • Model how perceived injustice can be peacefully challenged;

  • UK Parliament Day.

Rule of law – what do we do?

  • Ensure school rules and expectations are clear and fair;

  • Class rules and celebration of adhering to these rules;

  • 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 PSHCE Lessons laws and what to do if peer pressure is trying to persuade children to break these;

  • Good relationships with local police and PCSOs - regular visits into school.

Individual liberty – what do we do?

  • Support pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem, self-confidence;

  • Encourage pupils to take responsibility for their behaviour, as well as knowing their rights;

  • Model freedom of speech through pupil participation, while ensuring protection of vulnerable pupils and promoting critical analysis of evidence;

  • Challenge stereotypes;

  • Implement a strong anti-bullying culture;

  • E-Safety units of work are taught throughout school, staff receive training on these and Parents receive regular information through National online safety.

Mutual Respect and tolerance of different cultures and religions– what do we do?

  • Teach through Worship and curriculum, to break down stereotypes;

  • Promote our uniqueness and celebrate our differences;

  • Use Picture News assemblies to explore critical news events (e.g. terrorist attacks, Black Lives Matter etc);

  • Explore positive role models (where possible) through our units,  who reflect the protected characteristics of the 2010 Equality Act;

  • Challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour;

  • Organise visits to places of worship (one annually);

  • All year groups take part in an annual Diwali dance day;

  • All year groups take part in Christmas celebrations;

  • All religious festivals are marked and celebrated throughout the year;

  • 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;

  • Our book collections are becoming more diverse, as part of our travelling library we have many books that celebrate inspirational people from many cultures and backgrounds.

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