The DfE (Department for Education) have reinforced the need “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.”
The Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values were reiterated in 2014. At St. Bartholomew’s, these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy
Each year the children decide upon their class charter and the rights associated with these. All the children contribute to the drawing up of the charter, therefore allowing them to have ownership of expectations within the classroom and this results in a clear understanding of rights and responsibilities. House Captains and Pupil Voice Representatives are also elected democratically each year. St. Bart’s Pupil Voice (Student Council) meets every month to discuss issues raised in school. Following this monthly meeting, key members of the Pupil Voice meet with the Headteacher to genuinely effect change within the school. Children have an annual questionnaire where they are able to put forward their views about the school. In addition to the Pupil Voice, there is also a Worship Group (Christian Crew) and a Change Team. Like the Pupil Voice, these representatives are also elected by their classmates. The Christian Crew works alongside Jo Haslam (Manchester Diocese) and Mr Riddick (Deputy Headteacher) and the pupil Change Team is part of the Well Being Change Team led by Mr Barrett.
How we influence democracy is explored through PSHE, our Collective Worship Time, as well as across a range of subjects in the curriculum. Our local MP (Chris Green) has also been into school for a question and answer session with our older children.
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 St. Bartholomew’s. Pupils are taught from an early age the rules of the school. These are the Golden Rule, our Playground Rules and our Safety Rules. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws, that they 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 help reinforce this message. The school’s chosen Christian Values are integral to our school and are embedded into each aspect of school life.
Many of the rules and laws are taught through our PSHE curriculum which includes many safety aspects such as: firework safety, road safety, e-safety and fire safety.
Individual Liberty
At St. Bartholomew’s, 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 informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our e-safety and PSHE lessons.
Mutual Respect for and Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs and for those with no faith
Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect. The school’s Golden Rule is “Treat others as you wish to be treated.” Anti-bullying has a high profile within school and is addressed through general classroom practice, the PSHE curriculum and Collective Worship. Children are also taught about respect and bullying in the online world through regular e-safety lessons. Every classroom has a ‘worry box’ where children can submit concerns to members of staff.
Despite St. Bartholomew’s C of E Primary School’s church school status, it is a school who welcomes pupils, parents and governors who reflect a number of different ethnicities. We actively develop children’s acknowledgment and acceptance of others, whatever their beliefs or ethnicity, through our celebration of different faiths and cultures. Religious Education lessons and PSHE lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others. Members of different faiths and religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.