Representatives from the School Council visit the Houses of Parliament in 2015
At Baydon St Nicholas British values are promoted throughout the day, not least during our daily worship, and RE and PSHCE lessons.
The values are integral to our ethos statement which complements British values and always has done.
As well as actively promoting British values, the opposite also applies: we would actively challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British values, including ‘extremist’ views.
The term ‘British values’ might be slightly misleading in that these values are integral to so many countries throughout the world – they differ in no way from the values of most western European countries.
Being part of Britain
At Baydon St Nicholas we value and celebrate being part of Britain. In general terms, this means that we celebrate traditions, such as customs in the course of the year; for example, Harvest festival during the Autumn term, and what could be more British than a pantomime at Christmas! We also value and celebrate national events when applicable.
Further, children learn about being part of Britain from different specific perspectives. Two specific examples of when we teach about being part of Britain are:
Geographically: Topics which form part of our Four Year Rolling Programme ensure that children have a better understanding of what Britain is. Examples of what pupils will cover during the four year rolling programme include finding out about capital cities and counties, rivers and mountains in Britain and where Britain is in relation to the rest of Europe and other countries in the world (being part of a global community as well).
Historically: As pupils go through the school they will encounter topics relating to British history. When this is studied pupils will learn about an aspect life and how this has developed and changed over time.
Democracy: Children, parents and staff have many opportunities for their voices to be heard at Baydon St Nicholas. Democracy is central to how we operate. An obvious example is our School Council. The election of the School Council members reflects our British electoral system and demonstrates democracy in action. Made up of two representatives from each year group, the School Council meets regularly to discuss issues raised by the different classes. Recently representatives from the School Council were able to visit the Houses of Parliament to find out more how British Democracy works in actions.
Other examples of ‘pupil voice’ are:
- Pupils agree their Class Rules and the rights associated with these; all children contribute to the drawing up of the rules at the beginning of the school year.
- Pupils are asked to respond and reflect about various aspects in the school.
Pupils 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. We encourage pupils to take ownership of not only their school but also of their own learning and progress. This encourages a heightened sense of both personal and social responsibility and is demonstrated on a daily basis by our pupils.
Rules and laws
The importance of rules and laws, whether they be those that govern our school or our country, are referred to and reinforced often, such as in worships and when reflecting on behaviour choices. At the start of the school year, each class discusses and sets their own rules (a set of principles 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).
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. These values are reinforced in different ways:
- visits from authorities such as the police and fire service
- during Religious Education, when rules for particular faiths are learnt about and explored
- during other school subjects, where there is respect and appreciation for different rules (e.g. during sport lessons)
Individual liberty
Alongside rules and laws, we promote freedom of choice and the right to respectfully express views and beliefs. Through the provision of a safe, supportive environment and empowering education, we provide boundaries for our young pupils to make choices safely; for example:
- choices about what learning challenge or activity
- choices about how they record their learning
- choices around the participation in extra-curricular activities
Our pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are taught how to exercise these safely, (for example e-safety).
Mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs
At Baydon St Nicholas mutual respect is at the heart of our aims and ethos.
Our pupils know and understand that respect is shown to everyone and to everything, whether it is a school resource or a religious belief. Pupils learn that their behaviour choices have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community should treat each other with respect.
Some examples of how we at Baydon St Nicholas enhance pupils understanding and respect for different faiths and beliefs are:
- through Religious Education and other lessons where we encourage a developing awareness and appreciation of other cultures – in English through fiction and in Art by considering culture from other parts of the world
- enjoying a depth of study during Themed weeks (for examples Fair Trade Week) where we celebrate and enjoy learning about the differences in countries and cultures around the word
Sadly, no school can guarantee that there will never be instances which are contrary to this value. At Baydon St Nicholas such instances are extremely rare. They are treated seriously in line with relevant policies and procedures.