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 Nursery, 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 dedicated to serving our community and surrounding areas. We recognize the multi-faith nature of Cambridgeshire and the United Kingdom and understand the crucial role our school plays in promoting these values. We welcome admissions of all entitled to education under British law, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political, or financial status. We educate all equally and aim to instil a love of learning in all our children that will stay with them into adulthood. We strive for excellence in all subjects. This statement outlines the key British values we actively promote.
Democracy is embedded at our school. Children are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and with respect to each other, valuing the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard. Children have the opportunity to express their opinions and ideas through our School Council and questionnaires. The elections of School Council members are based solely on pupil votes, reflecting our British electoral system and demonstrating democracy in action. Children were involved in the interview process when appointing the new headteacher and will be involved in key appointments where necessary.
The Rule of Law - The importance of laws, whether they govern the class, the school, or the country, is consistently reinforced. Our school has rules that are deeply embedded in our daily work. We have high expectations of pupil and staff conduct, reflected in our clearly structured Behaviour Policy and Code of Conduct. Each class discusses and sets its own rules, which are clearly understood by all and seen as necessary to ensure that every class member can 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 involved, and the consequences when laws are broken. To encourage and promote good behaviour, attitude, and work, we have devised a reward system consistently followed throughout the school. We are committed to praising children’s efforts informally, individually, during group work, in front of the whole class, and the whole school. Recognition for exhibiting good and caring behaviour and consistent demonstration of our values is given through whole school assemblies. Some assemblies focus on the law, such as elections. The school has links with our local Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), who help our children develop an understanding of British law and 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, including 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 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 empowering education. Our children are taught about personal choices, ambition, and aspiration. Children are valued for their differences and are encouraged to know, understand, and exercise their rights and personal freedoms responsibly and are advised on how to exercise these safely; examples of this can be seen in our e-safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it is through choice of challenge, how they record, or participation in our numerous extracurricular 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. Children have the opportunity to be involved in fundraising and taking responsibility for organizing resources.
Mutual Respect - Respect is one of the core values of our school, as seen on our school badge. The children know and understand that it is expected and imperative that respect is shown to everyone, regardless of differences, 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, be cooperative and collaborative, be supportive, and look for similarities while understanding differences. Our PSHE curriculum embodies values of mutual respect through units such as ‘Relationships’ and being responsible citizens. Assemblies focus on helping other children 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 that is not greatly culturally diverse; therefore, we place great emphasis on promoting diversity with the children. Our core value of respect ensures tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. We have high expectations of pupil conduct, reflected in our Behaviour and Equality policies. We enhance children’s understanding of different faiths and beliefs through religious education studies, PSHE 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, 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.