British Values
Promoting British Values at Hamp Academy
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 this year. At Hamp Academy, these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy
Democracy is a strong thread throughout the school and children have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. We have a student council (elected by their peers) who meet regularly to decide on improvements they would like to make to our school. Last year they made recommendations on improving playtimes and PE equipment, and new equipment has been purchased as a direct result of the children’s input.
Sports leaders are also elected and work together to promote sporting values throughout the school, and we have recently trained playground leaders to support activities during break and lunchtimes. In addition all pupils complete questionnaires on their lessons, the environment and anything they would like to change. All children have the opportunity to talk to senior staff on a regular basis and use these occasions to share their views.
The 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 assemblies. 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. Visits from authorities such as the police, fire service, the local Mayor etc. are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message.
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 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 advise how to exercise these safely, for example through our e-safety and PSHE lessons. Examining inspirational people such as Martin Luther King and Mahatma Ghandi during lessons and assemblies help to reinforce the children’s understanding of civil rights and freedom of choice. Whether it is through choice of challenge, of how they record, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
Mutual respect
Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy is centered round our core values such as ‘respect’, and treating people the way you wish to be treated. This extends to the children and adults within the school and wider community. Pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown.
Our Golden Rules and playground instructions promote respect for others and this is reiterated through our classroom and learning rules, and our playground leaders during break an lunchtimes.
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. Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE. Themed days (e.g. Chinese New Year) help to raise awareness of different cultures, beliefs and cuisine. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school, and further trips to places of religious worship, such as a mosque, are also being planned.