Promoting Fundamental British Values

In accordance with The Department for Education we aim to actively promote British values in schools to ensure young people leave school prepared for life in modern Britain. Pupils are encouraged to regard people of all faiths, races and cultures with respect and tolerance and understand that while different people may hold different beliefs about what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, all people living in England are subject to its law.

For all year groups, each half term starts with a focus on 'No Outsiders' which uses a book to explore aspects of British values through a child friendly and accessible medium. 

The Key Values are:

• democracy
• rule of law
• individual liberty
• mutual respect
• tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs 

Democracy

Democracy is evident within the school. We have a group named 'Our Voice is Heard' who are elected half termly, and make decisions on aspects of school life to the benefit of fellow pupils. The participants of the 'Our Voice is Heard' group are reviewed to ensure that school community is well represented within the elected children.

Other leadership groups exist for pupils to have their say through, for example, sports leaders.  All classes develop class charters, which are prominent in each classroom. Each class votes weekly about who should receive the 'Class Team Honours Certificate' in recognition of their classmates' successes that week. 

Many areas of the curriculum are in themselves a study of democracy and how it works, e.g. Ancient Greeks. At the core of democracy is the idea of fairness, which is a key area of PSHE.

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws, whether they be class charters, the school rules, or the laws of our country, is reinforced in our school. The rules for individual classes and the school are relevant and valued by the children and adults of the school, and are referred to when dealing with behaviour. School assemblies regularly address the responsibility that each child has to follow rules, both in and out of school. Visits from the police and fire services reinforce the importance of rules in the wider world. 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.

In Year 6, children study 'Crime and Punishment' which explores a theme in British history and focuses on how law has changed as a result of elements such as democracy and individual liberty.

Individual Liberty

Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, in their work and play, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment.  We take every opportunity to participate in events and tournaments with other schools, such as sports tournaments, and musical concerts, so that our children get the opportunity to be part of other communities. Children are encouraged to take risks and develop the confidence to ‘have a go’ and so increase the chances of experiencing success. There is high participation in sport and music. All pupils are given the freedom to make choices.

Mutual Respect

We encourage mutual respect within the school and the wider community. Our weekly celebration assemblies highlight the great work, behaviour and attitudes which we value at Cherbourg, and they illustrate the support and respect that individuals have from the whole school community. We ensure that the wider curriculum has carefully chosen influences who raise awareness of protected characteristics, for example artists studies. By exposing children to a diverse society, builds their mutual respect and tolerance of those different to themselves. 

Circle times and class discussion allow all pupils to express themselves and to be listened to. We take the values of respect into our community, with events such as celebrating national days such as Remembrance Day, Mothers’ Day, and significant religious days. Our class charters, as well as our school rules and behaviour policy all support the idea of mutual respect. Pupils are trusted be respectful of others when receiving visitors to the school, and showing them round.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

We work hard at Cherbourg to expand the horizons of our children, so that they understand their place in our diverse society. Assemblies and discussions about tolerance, prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE. Our RE curriculum covers the Jewish, Hindu and Muslim faiths, as well as Christianity, and PDL covers bullying, disability, and difference, appropriate to the children’s levels of understanding.