Promoting British Values
Acomb First School is committed to serving its community. It recognises the multi-cultural, multi faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom. It also understands the vital role it has in ensuring that groups or individuals within the school are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.
It follows equal opportunities guidance which guarantees that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or similar. Acomb First School is dedicated to preparing children for their adult life beyond the formal examined curriculum and ensuring that it promotes and reinforces British values to all its students.
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 2011 Prevent Strategy.
The five British Values are:
- Democracy
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Mutual respect
- Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
The school uses strategies within the National curriculum and beyond to secure such outcomes for children. The examples that follow show some of the many ways Acomb First School seeks to embed British values.
Democracy
The principle of democracy is consistently being reinforced at Acomb First School, with democracy processes being used for important decisions within the school community, for instance, elections being held for school council positions. The principle of democracy is also explored in the History and Religious Education curriculum as well as in PSHE and school assemblies.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at Acomb First School. Children are taught the rules and expectations of the school which are highlighted by the school code of conduct. Children are taught the value and the reasons behind laws that govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service reinforce this message.
Individual Liberty
At Acomb First School, children are actively encouraged to make independent choices, with the knowledge that they are in a safe, secure and supportive environment. Staff at Acomb First School educate and provide boundaries for students to make informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education.
Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised on how to exercise these safely, for example through e-safety.
Acomb First School has a robust anti-bullying culture and has in place a comprehensive Peer on Peer Abuse Policy.
Mutual Respect
Respect is a strong part of Acomb First School and is part of our values and ethos. Children learn that their behaviours has an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect and this is reiterated through its teaching and learning environments.
Mutual respect is embraced throughout the curriculum by providing the opportunity for children to express their views in a safe environment.
Our Class Dojo behaviour management and rewards system promotes restorative justice. This restorative practice ensures all pupils discuss, reflect and resolve any incidents where mutual respect has broken down.
Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
Our school is not culturally diverse so equipping children with the ability to understand everyone's place in a diverse society is vital. Children learn about the range of faiths and beliefs within the UK and worldwide and celebrate festivities throughout the calendar year. We celebrate key religious festivals such as Eid, Diwali and Christmas. The Religious Education curriculum, which is compulsory for all students, provides a broad and balanced education on a range of faiths, religions and cultures.
