Teaching British Values
It is our, and every school’s responsibility ‘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 Stillness Junior school we promote these values in the following four ways:
Democracy
Across our curriculum you will see democracy being taught. For example, our whole school assemblies, class debates, opportunities to take part in class votes and class-based PSHE sessions.
Stillness has a school council who meet to discuss a variety of school topics. At the start of each year members are voted by their peers and have the responsibility of representing the needs and interests of their class and relaying important discussions.
We encourage our children to be leaders and role models throughout the school and we have a number of responsibilities that are undertaken by the children such as Y6 Ambassadors, Play Leaders and Peer Mediators.
The Rule of Law
Children know what is expected of them, why rules are so important, and what the consequences are if they do not follow them. Children at Stillness are aware of the exciting curriculum they learn in and that their sustained good behaviour enables them to become successful learners.
Children understand that their behaviour and regard for the rules extends beyond the school itself, such as acting as school ambassadors while on school trips.
Children regularly have time to reflect on their own learning and behaviour and are given opportunities to make positive changes to enable them to reach their full potential.
Individual Liberty
Stillness is a safe place for children and cultivates an atmosphere in which children can make choices about their school life in a supportive environment.
Children at Stillness are encouraged to exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised on how to so this safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons.
From the very start of their Stillness journey our children are encouraged to become owners of their own learning and to always challenge their personal best. Children regularly have next steps shared with them so they know exactly what they can do to progress.
Mutual Respect and Tolerance
Stillness encourages all children to become respectful young citizens through our curriculum and by providing opportunities for our children to work with one another.
Achievements are celebrated in our whole school assemblies and children are given the chance to nominate peers and adults for our value of the month.
We aim to enhance pupils’ understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and provide opportunities to experience such diversity through our RE curriculum. Stillness often uses the wider community to fulfil this by organising local visits to places of worship, inviting visitors from different cultures and religions and leading assemblies on religious and cultural celebrations.
Our children should leave Stillness with:
- 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 the freedom to choose and hold other faiths and beliefs is protected in law.
- An acceptance that other people having different faiths or beliefs should be celebrated and should not be the cause of prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour.
