British Values
Fundamental British values are core principles within the UK education system and focus on an understanding of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. British Values runs through the day to day life of our school. It can be seen across the curriculum and activities organised in school. We have also planned a series of assemblies that focus on these key areas throughout the year.
Individual Liberty
Here at Ratby Primary School, we actively encourage our pupils to make choices. Within school, pupils are actively encouraged and given the freedom to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. Pupils have self-nominating key roles and responsibilities in school such as Year 6 Playground Buddies, Behaviour Ambassadors, Anti-Bullying Ambassadors, House Captains and Vice Captains and the School Council. Pupils are taught about their rights and personal freedoms and are encouraged and advised on how to exercise these safely, for instance through our teaching on e-safety and PSHE lessons where children learn about confidently expressing their views and understanding their rights and responsibilities. Within lessons, pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning and behaviour, making choices in order to challenge themselves further and knowing the importance of making the right choices. During the year, children fundraise and campaign for local, national and global charities.
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Tolerance of Different Cultures and Religions
Our school acknowledges that tolerance is achieved through pupils’ knowledge and understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and the opportunity for pupils to experience such diversity. Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs is supported by the RE and PSHE curriculum and collaboration with other interfaith schools whom we have close links with. We deliver an RE curriculum which teaches the key main religions and that discusses, compares and reflects on key questions related to religion. We celebrate diversity through festivals and religious in school – this could be as part of lessons in the classroom or often as whole school events. We have a long-established relationship with a school of different faiths and work collaboratively on visits. We have visitors to school that run workshops for Diversity. Throughout the year, assemblies are held focusing on bullying, with reference to prejudice-based bullying, and discussion is encouraged.
Mutual Respect
Respect forms a core pillar of Ratby Primary School’s ethos. Pupils are treated with respect and learn to treat each other and staff with respect. This is reinforced through our Behaviour Policy and procedures in school which promoting mutual respect. Respect is one of the core values of our school. The pupils know and understand that it is expected that respect is shown to everyone, adults, children and our community. Pupils are helped to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life. Our PSHE Curriculum is taught through a range of mediums as well as through our assemblies
Rule of Law
Pupils are involved in the creation of class and school charters and policies, they are all then taught these values and the reasons behind laws, whether they govern the class, the school or the country, that are essential for their well-being and safety. Pupils are allowed healthy debate and reflection in class and assemblies on matters to encourage recognition of the importance of the law and to distinguish right from wrong. Ratby Primary School enjoys visits from authorities such as the Police, Fire Service, Ambulance Services, Water Authorities, ASB team and other institutes and pupils in Year 6 visit the Warning Zone in Leicester each year where they learn about their social responsibility. Within class, children are educated about Internet safety along with assemblies to for Road and Rail Safety.
Democracy
We have numerous opportunities to have children’s views heard through pupil questionnaires and the pupil-elected School Council/House Captains and a variety of Ambassadors roles. All children are encouraged to debate topics of interest, express their views and make a meaningful contribution to the school life. Children also have the opportunity to have their voices heard through pupil questionnaires, pupil surveys and other group sessions. The principle of democracy such as Rights & Responsibilities, Democracy & Freedom of Expression is explored in the curriculum as well as during assemblies and theme days. Our year 6 children visit to the Houses of Parliament to consolidate their understanding and this is followed up by a visit from our local MP