Fundamental British Values
British Values Rationale
At Bader Primary school, we incorporate British Values into assemblies, as well as in the curriculum. The themes being explored on a weekly basis are linked to British Values which supports children in the recognition of them and what it means to be a British Citizen. The values are: Democracy, Rule of Law, Individual Liberty, Mutual Respect, and Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs.
Democracy
Bader Parliament is our school council. Children from Year 2 – Year 6 are voted for by their classes at the beginning of the year. They run lots of additional activities suggested by themselves or their class members. These include creating and running games at our Christmas and Summer Fayres. They think about something to sell during the school discos to raise money and then ask the children what they would like to spend it on. In the past the children have bought books for the classrooms and helped pay for the Christmas Pantomime. We encourage pupils to voice their opinions and to listen to the views of others alongside speaking with adults to express their ideas. These views can then be introduced if appropriate. For example, the children wanted a competition for our Show Racism the Red Card based in school so this now runs yearly and is led by the RRS/FBV Ambassadors. Pupils also have opportunities to express their ideas in lessons, debates and in further groups that support independence. At Bader Primary school, we have: Sport’s Leaders, Play Leaders, Rights Respecting School Ambassadors (who also lead on Fundamental British Values) and two Year 5 Ambassadors, who visit other schools and bring back ideas.
The Rule of Law
The rule of law is an important aspect of school life at Bader Primary. Children’s learning is focused around three rules: Ready, Respect and Safe. The children understand that these must be followed and are reminded of these when necessary. These are displayed in each classroom as a prompt when needed. Rule of Law is a part of school assemblies where appropriate. Children learn about what is right and wrong in school, in the local community and in the wider world and address any local issues as they arise. They are able to share their feelings and thoughts about a range of topics related to the Rule of law. Children learned that Amazon was using drones around their local area for delivering parcels. They discussed if this was a good idea and if it would affect their privacy. The children also explore the purpose of the government and how it is there to keep them safe. Bader Parliament has previously visited Thornaby Mayor and spoken to a local MP. In school, visits from the Police and Fire service occur every year to support children’s recognition of people who help us.
Individual Liberty
Within school, 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 our pupils to make choices safely. We support pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence. Our pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms through our e-safety, PSHE lessons and having the knowledge of Unicef’s Rights. We celebrate Remembrance Day annually with Year 6 Bader Parliament members selling poppies and other items to raise money for the British Legion. Bader Parliament also attended Remembrance Day service held at Thornaby Cenotaph and laid a wreath. In school, we value children’s views and have been thinking about where they feel safe and spaces they don’t feel as safe by highlighting different areas of a school map. The children indicated that cloak rooms can be busy. Staff have listened to their concerns and these are monitored more regularly.
Mutual Respect
As a Unicef Gold Rights Respecting School, Respect is promoted across school and it is deeply embedded in all that we do. Our curriculum focuses on respecting the rights of others and respecting the environment. This is also one of our school rules, due to its importance. Pupils design class charters at the beginning of each school year and these are displayed in classrooms once the children have signed them. This reinforces how we can look after and treat each other respectfully and how to look after our environment.
Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
Our curriculum provides opportunities through a wide range of subjects to enhance pupils’ understanding of different faiths and beliefs. This includes the teaching of religious education, PSHE lessons and in celebrating different faiths and cultures in assemblies. The school has links with the local Sikh community and the children visit their place of worship in Year 3. Alongside Fundamental British Values, children learn about the Protected Characteristics within assemblies. The following are the Protected Characteristics: age, race, religion and belief, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, sex and sexual orientation. These are linked with the topics we explore weekly about local and global issues.