Promoting British values at Prince Albert Primary School
The DfE wants every school 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.’
At Prince Albert School, we develop and promote British Values throughout our school and within our curriculum. Our school values demonstrate how the British values underpin the life of the school:
Friendship – Understanding – Commitment – Honesty – Equality – Respect
A key part of our plan for education is to ensure that pupils leave Prince Albert with the knowledge, understanding and emotional intelligence that will allow them to flourish and play a positive and active role in our diverse society.
To do this we will:
- Develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self- confidence
- Develop their understanding of right from wrong and to respect the rules of the school and the laws of Britain
- Encourage and support pupils to accept responsibility for their behaviours, show initiative and to understand how they can contribute positively to the lives of others
- Promote tolerance and harmony between different cultural traditions by enabling pupils to acquire an appreciation and respect for their own and other cultures
- Teach children about the protected characteristics in order that they learn to respect others, celebrate diversity and recognise prejudice and discrimination
- Teach pupils to respect other people, animals and the world around them
- Teach pupils to understand and respect democratic processes
As a school we promote British values in a number of ways:
Democracy
Pupil voice is very important at Prince Albert. Pupils are routinely asked their opinions and suggestions, and these are taken seriously. The development of oracy skills is carefully planned and pupils have discreet weekly lessons in order that we can target skills specific to improving the quality of articulation.
Our debate club allows pupils to discuss current events and to practise the skills of rationalising, putting forward a comprehensive argument and disagreeing politely.
Within school, pupils have roles of responsibility. Head pupils and school prefects are selected through a democratic process and these pupils make a valuable contribution to the development of the school. The understanding of democracy as a concept is taught through our curriculum, particularly through the areas of Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE) and history.
The Rule of Law
Throughout their time at school, pupils develop their understanding of what is right and what is wrong. We have high expectations that pupils adhere to. Pupils understand why these expectations are important and older pupils encourage younger pupils to meet them. Through daily school life, restorative practice and explicitly in PSHE lessons, pupils develop their understanding of actions, responsibilities and consequences. Pupils are taught to 'do the right thing' through all areas of school life. Visits from/to authorities such as the police, fire service are regular parts of our curriculum and help reinforce this message. Pupils also work with local community police officers.
Tolerance of those of 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. Learning about a wide range of different religions in Religious Education and learning about protected characteristics in PSHE offer these opportunities and also support in discussions around the issue of prejudice. Having been awarded the Inclusion Quality Mark flagship award, we pride ourselves on ensuring that we demonstrate inclusivity in all that we do.
Mutual Respect
It is an expectation at Prince Albert that the school community demonstrate a respectful attitude at all times. Discussions, assemblies, team games in Physical Education and PSHE lessons across the school help to reinforce this message. Bullying is not tolerated, and pupils are taught about the different types of bullying, why they might occur and discuss possible strategies for dealing with incidents should they witness any. In the early years, children begin to develop their understanding of others through planned learning opportunities within the areas of ‘Understanding the World’ and ‘Personal, Social and Emotional Development’.
Individual Liberty
We wholeheartedly support the aims enshrined in the UNICEF Rights of the Child and promote these through the PSHE curriculum and the work of the pastoral team.
Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. From the earliest age, pupils exercise individual freedoms through their child-initiated learning. As a school, we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make choices safely through the provision of a safe environment and empowering education.
Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely.
Collective Worship
Collective worship is focussed on our school values which link to the British Values. Through collective worship, pupils learn the importance of being kind, caring and respecting others indiscriminately. Our weekly whole school assembly is led by the senior leadership team and explores current affairs and themes based around the protected characteristics. Safeguarding assemblies support pupils in understanding rules for keeping themselves and others safe.