Promoting British Values Statement

The DFE have recently reinforced the need ‘to create a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote fundamental British Values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.’

Abbotts Ann Church of England Primary School is committed to serving its community and surrounding areas. It recognises the multi-cultural, multi-faith and ever changing nature of the United Kingdom, and therefore those it serves.  Abbotts Ann understands the important role it has ensuring that groups or individuals within the school are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to  unduly, or illegally, influence them.

Our School, as a voluntary controlled church school, accepts admissions from all those entitled to an education under British law, including pupils of all faiths or none. It follows the policies outlined by its Governing Body regarding equal opportunities, which ensure there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or similar. It seeks to serve all.

The Government emphasises that schools are required to ensure that key British Values are taught in all UK schools. The Government set out its definition of British values in the ‘Prevent Strategy’ – Values of:

• democracy
• the rule of law
• individual liberty
• mutual respect
• tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

Democracy

Democracy is seen in school through our School Council work and Pupil Voice. The concept of free speech is fostered through listening to children’s views and opinions, both through school council and pupil interviews and questionnaires, as well as on an informal daily basis.  We carry out elections for School Council and House representatives which introduces children to the process of democratic election.  Also important in this work is the idea of holding others to account including those in positions of authority and influence. Our School Behaviour Policy involves making the right choices, thinking about our rights but also our responsibilities and positive reward systems.

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school or the country are consistently reinforced throughout the school day. They are reinforced through our positive behaviour policy and through discussions in PSHE and Collective Worship. Pupils are always taught the value and reasons behind laws and rules, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service are part of our curriculum and help reinforce this message.

PC Warner speaking to the children about 'Keep Safe' Messages which the School Council had been leading on for the year - children contributed well and showed their sensible knowledge and understanding

Individual Liberty

Our pupils are actively encouraged to make choices in a safe and supportive environment. We spend time reflecting on the ‘right’ choices and educate and provide children with safe boundaries in which for them to explore, develop and flourish. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms; for example in PDL lessons or through the work we do around E-Safety. Children are given opportunities in which to make choices; through the way they record their work and homework, present their learning outcomes to the extra-curricular clubs and opportunities they choose to sign up for.

A visit to the Roman Baths to find out about life in Roman Britain, what it was like to be a Roman citizen and democracy in Roman society

Mutual Respect

Our core values are built around Love, Respect and Responsibility and are embedded in our ethos and the everyday working life of the school.  The school community explores and discusses what ‘respect’ means and what it looks like in practice on an ongoing basis and staff and children live and breathe this each day. Our Emotional Literacy Support work reinforces this for children who need extra guidance, allowing them to build on their self-esteem or develop their awareness and respect for others. The Abbotts Ann ‘ABC’ reinforces our belief that we should all live out the following:

• A - Always respect yourself
• B -  Be respectful to others
• C - Care for our environment

Anti-Bullying Conference

Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

We believe this is achieved through enhancing pupils’ understanding of their place in both the local community and the world around them – a world which is culturally rich and diverse.  The range of opportunities that we give the children to think about tolerance, and how events in the past have shaped the future, are wide ranging. We mark and reflect on Remembrance each year and our older children worked to develop a local community WWI display that was shared across the community. This gave the children a chance to reflect on the significance of events that have changed the way we can live in the today’s world. Through the study of World History, children are able to gain an understanding of how Britain changed throughout periods such as the Stone Age and Iron Age and the impact of Romans in Britain. Children also are given the opportunity to reflect on eras such as Early Islamic Civilization and appreciate the key contribution this made to the development of the western world. We encourage visits from people of other faiths into school to talk to the children and we discuss key events and celebrations from other cultures and religions.

In Religious Education, we study the diversity of the world and different religious beliefs and practices.  We follow the Hampshire Agreed syllabus, ‘Living Difference’ which encapsulates the key religions represented in the UK.

Work inspired by our Australia Day when children had the opportunity to find out about Aboriginal art and music

Ugi the Bear on his travels to Erepi School, Uganda, meeting staff and pupils