British Values and SMSC

Promoting British Values

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.” The Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy and these values have been reiterated by the Prime Minister. At Newton Primary School these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

 Democracy:

Democracy is richly embedded within the school. Pupils are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and with concern to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard. Pupils also have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Ambassadors. Each member has been voted for by their classmates reflecting our British electoral system and demonstrating democracy in action.

At Newton Primary School, a Head Boy/Deputy Head Boy & Head Girl/Deputy Head Girl are elected from Year 6 each year. Candidates who wish to put themselves forward, have to present a speech to the rest of school and then a whole school election involving all pupils take place. Votes are counted and those pupils in Year 6 with the highest number of votes are then appointed to these positions.

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 assembly time. Pupils 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.

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 all pupils to make choices safely, through provision of a safe environment and an empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety, PSHE & PATHS lessons. Pupils are given the freedom to make a wide range of choices from attending extra-curricular clubs to supporting fund raising events.

Mutual Respect:

Our school believes in core values such as ‘Respect’, and pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown. It is shared with home through newsletters and website information. All members of the school community treat each other with respect and pupils understand that respect needs to be shown to everyone, whatever differences we may have. Be Respectful is also one of our school rules which is taught explicitly as part of our Behaviour Curriculum.

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 PSHE/PATHs. Members of different faiths or religions, and those who speak languages other than English, are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.

At Newton Primary School we actively promote the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of all our children. This is done through establishing our strong school ethos which is supported by  a clear set of personal, social and learner values - STRIVE. 

Self-motivation

Teamwork

Resilience

Independence

Vision

Emotional Intelligence

SMSC is also promoted through our school curriculum.