The 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: the rules of law, democracy, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faith and beliefs.”
At Caedmon Primary School, we actively promote British values and ensure that such values are taught throughout our curriculum and form a central part of our ethos. Our long term planning includes a reference to the British Values when they are linked to the learning.
Democracy
We understand the importance of ensuring that everyone’s opinion is valued. The opinions and decisions made by the School Council and Eco Council (Warriors) have a direct impact on daily life at Caedmon Primary School. The School Council and Eco Council representatives are elected by the pupils. We also regularly consult with our pupils on a range of school activities, including teaching and learning through questionnaires and/or discussions with pupils. The results of such consultations are analysed and used to inform decision making.
The curriculum at Caedmon Primary School ensures that our pupils understand the various systems of democracy, both past and present. For example, during a history topic, the pupils will learn how democracy was founded and how it has evolved over time to create our current system of democracy.
The Rule of Law
We encourage pupils to understand and respect the laws of our country. At Caedmon, we ensure that all children understand why laws are imposed and that we all have a framework to abide by. This is done primarily through the school rules, which all children understand and are expected to follow. We actively teach our children to make responsible choices across all areas of life.
Individual Liberty
Within school, children are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive setting. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for all our children to make choices, through the provision of a safe learning environment and an empowering curriculum.
Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and independence and how to use them safely e.g. Online safety work in a school and PSHE lessons.
Whether it be through choice of challenge, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
Mutual Respect
Caedmon is a caring, family school where diversity and tolerance are celebrated. The concept of mutual respect is addressed through our curriculum topics, RE lessons and PSHE assemblies and sessions. Mutual respect underpins all we do together at Caedmon Primary School. In PSHE, promoting self-esteem for all and team work are fundamental to learning.
We have a zero tolerance approach to bullying of any kind, and this is embedded through our rules and anti-bullying procedures.
Tolerance of those of Different Faith and Beliefs
Our aim to teach and educate about diversity is reflected in our curriculum and events throughout our school calendar. Children are encouraged to share their life experiences of their own cultures and ask questions regarding the faiths and beliefs of others, whilst, given opportunities to reflect. We encourage children to question the world around them in a respectful way. Our RE curriculum enables children to do this by exploring the various religions of the world and considering their own views in relation to these. We promote awareness and tolerance of others and celebrate diversity promoting real reflection in a meaningful manner.
Community
Caedmon Primary School ensures that pupils understand the importance of a community.
Our pupils take part in a number of annual events that make sense of what it is to be a citizen in Britain today. These include:
- Observing remembrance for those who lost their lives fighting for our freedom.
- Singing on Redcar High Street each Christmas to raise money for the NSPCC.
- Organising fundraising events for Child in Need and Comic Relief.
- Collecting food for harvest festival to donate to the local food bank.
- Taking part in various sporting competitions and festivals.
- Decision making and consultation on various decisions in school.
