Queniborough
Primary School
Our school reflects British values in all that we do. We aim to nurture our children on their journey through life so they can grow into safe, caring, democratic, responsible and tolerant adults who make a positive difference to British society and to the world. We encourage our children to be creative, unique, open-minded and independent individuals, respectful of themselves and of others in our school, our local community and the wider world.
Queniborough C.E. Primary School will ensure that we actively promote the fundamental British values of:
• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.
These values are officially taught through the RE and PSHE curriculum, and are further nurtured through the school’s ethos and promotion of spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) understanding.
Through our policy and procedures, we aim to ensure that our pupils have:
An understanding of how citizens can influence decision-making through the democratic process.
An appreciation that living under the rule of law protects individual citizens and is essential for their wellbeing and safety.
An understanding that there is a separation of power between the executive and the judiciary, and that while some public bodies, such as the police and the army, can be held to account through Parliament, others, such as the courts, maintain independence.
An understanding that the freedom to hold other faiths and beliefs is protected in law.
An acceptance that people having different faiths or beliefs to oneself (or having none) should be accepted and tolerated, and should not be the cause of prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour.
An understanding of the importance of identifying and combatting discrimination.
Pupils have numerous opportunities to have their views heard. Our pupils are encouraged to have an input into what and how they learn to instil an understanding of democracy for their future.
Our school council meet regularly and have the opportunity to share the views and opinions of their peers. Each year, school council members are elected within their class.
Pupils complete a questionnaire to express their views about the school.
The school has a high regard for the laws that govern and protect the school, the responsibilities that this involves, and the consequences when laws are broken. All pupils are involved in the creation of school rules to inspire them with this understanding.
Pupils are taught these values and the reasons behind laws, whether they govern the class, the school or the country, that are essential for their wellbeing and safety. Pupils are allowed healthy debate in class on the matter to encourage recognition of the importance of the law.
Visits from authorities such as the police or fire service help to reinforce the reality and importance of this message.
A safe and supportive environment is fostered throughout the school, where pupils are actively encouraged to make choices. Whether it is choosing a challenging task or an extra-curricular club, pupils have the freedom to base their choices on their interests.
Pupils are taught about their rights and personal freedoms, and are encouraged and advised on how to exercise these safely, for instance through teaching on online safety and PSHE lessons.
Respect is key to our school’s ethos and values. Pupils are treated with respect and are expected to treat each other and all members of staff with respect. Pupils learn about how their behaviour and treatment of others can impact on themselves and others.
This is reinforced through the school’s Behaviour Policy.
The 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.
Throughout the year, assemblies are held focusing on bullying, including with reference to prejudice-based bullying, and discussion is encouraged.
Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs is supported by the RE and PSHE curriculum.
The school encourages its pupils from different faiths or religions to share their knowledge with their peers to enhance their learning. Visitors from different faiths or cultures may also be invited to share their knowledge. Visits, e.g. to places of worship, may also enhance the learning and experiences of our pupils.
