British Values at Chipping Hill
The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values have been reiterated by the Prime Minister in November 2014. At Chipping Hill Primary School these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
- Democracy:
Democracy is an important value at our school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our school council and pupil questionnaires. The elections of House Captains and Class Councillors are based solely on pupil votes, with the election of the House Captains reflecting our British electoral system and demonstrating democracy in action. At the start of every academic year all children decide upon the class rules which are then displayed in each classroom for the year and actively used by children and adults influencing what is agreed, acceptable behaviour. Children also have other opportunities to voice their opinions such as a lunchtime suggestion box and class choice for hot dinners.
- 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 regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. Children are asked to identify which aspect of the school/class rules have been broken to ensure that this connection is made and understand. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws and rules, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws or rules are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help to reinforce this message. At playtimes and lunchtimes a play leader system is in place where our Y5 and Y6 children uphold behaviour expectations and encourage children to play responsibly and effectively together.
- 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 young pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and a planned curriculum. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advise how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it be through choice of challenge, of how they record, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
- Mutual Respect:
Mutual respect is at the heart of our values which is reinforced through our school promise ‘Everyday I will try to be thoughtful, caring and kind’. All members of the school community treat each other with respect. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on themselves and others. Values are highly visible around the school and can be seen in positive messages displayed in the corridors and classrooms. Respect is an important part of our classroom rules and is an inherent part of the new national curriculum where children are taught to challenge the views of others courteously.
- Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:
This is achieved through enhancing pupils’ understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity in our local community which is by large white British. Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE. Members of different faiths and religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning across the school.
