Promoting British Values

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Alongside the new National Curriculum, the DfE have recently 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.”

 

At Sunny Bank we understand the importance of such values. They are integral to the curriculum experience, are core life skills and are embedded in our daily practice. These values are not unique to Britain and are the values of different countries and cultures represented by all our families at Sunny Bank.

 

Below are just a few examples of how we promote British values:

 

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, following our behaviour policy and the explicit use of ‘Behaviour Ladders’. House points and Class Charts have been introduced to reward children who consistently choose to make the right choices and demonstrate Sunny Banks values. Children are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Our experienced Learning Mentor Team support our most vulnerable of children in making the right choices, providing care, nurture, boundaries and extra curricular activities. Visits from authorities such as the Police, Fire and Lifeguards’ service help reinforce this message.

 

Individual Liberty

Within school, children are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide clear boundaries for our children to make choices safely, through provision of a safe environment and an enriched curriculum. Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised on how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it be through choice of a learning challenge, choice of learning style or how they record, of participation in our wide range of extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, or pupil organized and run charity events, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.

 

Mutual Respect

Mutual respect is at the heart of our values and we are proud to promote and celebrate our different backgrounds and beliefs. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others; they know and understand that everyone is expected to demonstrate tolerance and mutual respect.

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Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

At Sunny Bank we strive to enhance our children’s tolerance of their place in a culturally diverse and ever changing society and plan opportunities through PSHE, RE and assemblies, which support their levels of understanding. The whole school compiled a pledge to always show respect and tolerance to our Sunny Bank community which is signed annually. Our Sunny Bank mosaics, designed and created by the pupils, reflects our diverse community and flies proudly at the entrance of the school on both sites.

 

Actively promoting British Values also means challenging children, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values. Any such incident is treated seriously in line with our expectations and policies.