British Values

At Widecombe in the Moor Primary School, we take very seriously our responsibility to prepare children for life in modern Britain. We ensure that the fundamental British Values are introduced, discussed and lived out through the ethos and work of the school. All curriculum areas provide a vehicle for furthering understanding of these concepts and, in particular, our RE and PSHE lessons provide excellent opportunities to deepen and develop understanding. Children embrace these concepts with enthusiasm and demonstrate a good understanding of their application to their own lives.

The school makes considerable efforts to ensure children have exposure to a wide experience beyond their local community during which these concepts are shown. Sporting events, a range of visits and residentials are planned to ensure children’s experiences are broad, meaningful and varied. Their strong rooted values-based understanding gives them an excellent platform for embracing difference.

But what are 'British values'?

According to Ofsted, 'fundamental British values' are:

• democracy
• the rule of law
• individual liberty
• mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith.

How do we teach it?

Advice from the Department for Education is that British values should be promoted through Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural education (SMSC).

The school’s thoughtful and wide-ranging promotion of pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and their physical well-being enables our pupils to thrive.

Spiritual:

• School assemblies encourage children to reflect upon a range of ethical and religious issues.

• Lessons focus on providing pupils with opportunities to use their imagination about what could be, as well as what is.

• There are community links with the village church. The vicar holds fortnightly assemblies in school.

• Children regularly go on trips out of school to enhance their learning and understanding.

Moral:

• Children are reminded of the school rules and expectations of their behaviour on a daily basis.

• All children take part in charity events and are encouraged to think about their responsibility for others.

• Pupils are rewarded for acts of kindness with reward cards. These are monitored every half term.

• All children take part in a SEAL programme which focuses on different aspects of behaviour every half term.

• A ‘Child of the Week’ is selected every week and the reasons for these choices are made clear to all the children.

 

• Children take part in charity raising schemes throughout the year such as Red Nose Day, Make a Difference Day and specific fundraising events.

• Children work with other pupils from local schools and academies in a variety of situations.

• Older children run activities for younger pupils every lunchtime.

• The buddy scheme encourages older children to take care of younger pupils and every Friday they take part in paired reading activities with their partners.

• Transition activities, including events and days in the local secondary school, prepare children for the next challenges they will face.

• Through the use of Learning Habits, children focus on the barriers to their learning and can use the language that reflects this understanding.

Cultural

• Children develop an understanding and appreciation of the wide range of cultural influences that have shaped their own heritage through regular services at the local church, participating in Widecombe Fair and remembrance services. They study the history of their local area and explore other cultures through the curriculum.

• Children have the opportunity to participate in literature, drama, music, arts and other cultural events such as community singing, working with Daisi Arts and the Helen Foundation and attending theatre events.

• Children are encouraged to explore their own cultural assumptions and values and consider the extent to which they understand, accept, respect and celebrate diversity through assemblies and the school curriculum.