The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy and these values were reiterated in 2014. At Howick Church Endowed Primary School these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways.
Democracy
Democracy is an essential part of our school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard
at all levels. These include:-
Through our Pupil Forums
Pupil questionnaires
Prefects and playground buddies
The School Council represent all the children in our school and have the opportunity to make democratic decisions.
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 regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour
and through school assemblies. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws from the
earliest age, 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; Fire Service;
Ambulance etc. are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message.
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 young pupils to make
choices safety, through of provision of a safe environment and empowering education. We actively
use the curriculum to promote this. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their
rights and personal freedoms and advise how to exercise these safely, for example through our Internet Safety and PSHE lessons. Whether through choice of challenge, of how they record, of participation
in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make
choices.
Mutual Respect
Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy has revolved around Core Values such as ‘Respect’,
and pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is
shown. We have a cycle of themes to our assemblies which all relate to respect, using stories and
fables from all religions. Posters around the school promote respect for others and this is reiterated
through our classroom and learning rules, as well as our behaviour policy.
Tolerance of Those With Different Faiths and Beliefs
This is achieved through enhancing pupils understanding of their place in a culturally diverse
society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Assemblies and discussions
involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been 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. Our Pupil Forums in particular show that this has
been successful.