British Values
The Department for Education state that there is a 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.”
At Moordown St John’s, pupils are encouraged to treat 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.
We promote British Values in a range of ways.
Democracy
Children have a range of opportunities for their voice to be heard including contributing to our worship and learning focuses. Each year, pupils vote for members of our School Parliament and members of our parliament democratically elect committee leads, a Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary. Our school parliament meets regularly to discuss issues and liaise with classes. They plan regular fund raising events, develop ideas and decide which charities we support as they support all pupils to develop their courageous advocacy. All pupils vote for our Team Captains, who act as role models for our school teams. We also take opportunities for pupils to learn more about democracy through regular visits from our local MP and engaging with resources provided by the Houses of Parliament.
The Rule of Law
Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, and children are aware of their rights and responsibilities. All classes agree a class charter at the start of the new academic year and are aware of their responsibilities. They know that there are consequences if they do not act responsibly just as there are consequences in life if a law is broken. The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced through the school day, as well as when dealing with behaviour, and through school worship and PSHE.
Individual Liberty
Pupils are actively encouraged and educated to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment in school. 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 ways to contribute and respond or participation in extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices. During worships and discussion times, we consider issues within the local and global context where groups or communities may not have the individual liberty or safety that we have in the UK.
Mutual Respect
Our Christian values, ‘The Fruit of the Spirit’, include love and kindness, and we regularly discuss through our worships how respect for others is a way of demonstrating these. Respect is one of our school rules, modelled in our interactions with each other and is promoted through all that we do in classrooms, the playground, sport and the community.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Pupils are supported to understand their place in a culturally diverse society. Worships and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying are followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.