In June 2014, David Cameron emphasised the role that British Values play in education.
How well a school promotes such values is also part of the Ofsted school inspection process. Ofsted defines fundamental British Values as 'democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs'.
At Townley School and Pre-School, British Values are promoted in much of what we do, for example through assemblies, Religious Education lessons, personal, Social and health Education (PSHE) and through our studies of other counties within topic work.
British Values Statement:
At Townley School, we are committed to serving our community and surrounding areas. We recognise the multi-faith nature of Cambridgeshire and the United Kingdom and understand the crucial role our school plays in promoting these values. We encourage admissions of all entitled to education under British Law, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status. We educate all equally. We aim to promote a love of learning in all our children which will stay with them into adulthood. We are in pursuit of excellence in all subjects. This statement outlines the key British values we actively promote.
Democracy is embedded at the school. Children 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. Children also have the opportunity to air their opinions and ideas through our School Council and questionnaires etc. The elections of the School Council members are based solely on pupil votes, reflecting our British electoral system and demonstrating democracy in action. The children were involved in the interview process when appointing the new headteacher and they will be involved with key appointments where necessary.
The Rule of Law - The importance of laws whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced. Our school has rules, which are deeply embedded in our work every day. We have high expectations of pupil and staff conduct and this is reflected in our clearly structured Behaviour Policy and Code of Conduct. Each class also discusses and sets its own rules that are clearly understood by all and seen to be necessary to ensure that every class member is able to learn in a safe and ordered environment. Our children 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. To encourage and promote good behaviour, attitude and work, we have devised a reward system which is consistently followed throughout the school. We are committed to praising children’s efforts. We endeavour to praise the children informally, individually, during group work, in front of the whole class and the whole school. There is recognition for exhibiting good and caring behaviour and consistent demonstration of our values through whole school assemblies. Some assemblies are delivered with a focus on the law e.g. elections. The school has links with our local Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) who help our children to develop an understanding of British law and to understand their role in maintaining a peaceful community. Visits from other external agencies such as the Fire Service and Health professionals reinforce their understanding of the responsibilities held by various professions. Through our assemblies, circle time and PSHE/Citizenship curriculum, children are taught how to earn trust and respect and are supported to develop a strong sense of morality. This includes knowing right from wrong and doing the right thing even when it is difficult.
Individual Liberty -Within school, children 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 our children to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and an empowering education. Our children are taught about personal, choices, ambition and aspiration. Children are valued for their differences they are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms, responsibility and are advised how to exercise these safely; examples of this can be clearly seen in our e-safety and P.S.H.E. lessons. Whether it is through choice of challenge; of how they record; of participation in our numerous extra- curricular activities; our children are given the freedom to make choices. There are opportunities for children to take on more responsibility within school. For example Year 6 children can apply for a place on T.O.P.S to support others at break time and assist in running a range of play activities; they also support our Reception children, during the first term, in the dining hall; the children have to opportunity to be involved in fundraising and taking responsibility for organsising resources.
Mutual Respect: Respect is one of the core values of our school as can be seen on our school badge. The children know and understand that it is expected and imperative that respect is shown to everyone, whatever differences we may have and to everything, however big or small. The core value of Respect underpins our work every day both in and out of the classroom. A Class Code of Conduct is drawn up at the beginning of each academic year to set clear expectations of respectful behaviour. Through our school’s values, PSHE, circle time and assemblies children are taught to respect each other, to be co-operative and collaborative, be supportive and to look for similarities, while being understanding of differences. Our PSHE curriculum embodies values of mutual respect through units such as ‘Relationships’ and being responsible citizens. Assemblies focus on helping other children to understand specific needs. We celebrate and reward success and learn to be magnanimous in defeat. An ‘Anti-Bullying Week’ and various well-being events/themed weeks are held throughout the year.
Tolerance of Those With Different Faiths And Beliefs. We are situated in an area which is not greatly culturally diverse, therefore we place a great emphasis on promoting diversity with the children. Our core value of Respect ensures tolerance of those who have different faiths and beliefs. We have high expectations of pupil conduct and this is reflected in our Behaviour and Equality policies. We enhance children understanding of different faiths and beliefs through religious education studies; P.S.H.E. work; visits to other schools in different settings, participation in celebrations such as Diwali; school visits to different places of worship, including our parish church where we hold services such as Harvest and Christingle; welcoming visitors from other schools and enjoying a depth of study through our curriculum. Children reflect on their own beliefs and those of others in a respectful way. Through assemblies and topics taught in class, the children develop an understanding of a range of cultures to help them prepare for life in modern Britain and gain an enhanced understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society.
Our duty to safeguard children from radicalisation and extremism through adherence to 'The Prevent Strategy' ensures that any dissent or opposition to these fundamental British Values is not tolerated at our School.