Different Faiths & British Values

Democracy 

• To understand how they can influence decision making through a democratic process  

• To understand how to argue and defend a point of view  

• To understand the importance of team work  

At the beginning of the school year the children decide upon their class rules and the rights associated with these. Each class vote in two school council representatives from Year 1-6 in the Autumn term, and 2 from Reception in the Summer term. This gives every class a say on the decisions that are made at our school. The council meets every 2 weeks with the school Council Leader to discuss any issues raised in class council meetings. The council is genuinely able to effect change within our school. Our PSHE curriculum encourages all aspects of respect for democracy and the democratic process. In Year 6 two children are voted as House Captains for each of the 4 houses. Individual children are also appointed for posts of responsibility in the classroom such as class monitors, Eco- Warriors and Sports Council. There are also Vale Ambassadors  who monitor the children’s behaviour. All children have an annual questionnaire where they are able to put forward their views about the school. 

Rule of Law 

• Ability to recognise the difference between right and wrong and apply this to their own lives 

• Ability to accept responsibility for their behaviour 

• To understand the consequences of their behaviour and actions 

• Ability to resolve conflict 

• Understand how they can contribute positively to the lives of those living and working in the locality and society more widely 

• To understand that living under the rule of law protects them and is essential for their well-being and safety 

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at The Vale Primary School. Pupils are taught the rules from an early age in the Foundation Stage. The school has a behaviour policy  that the children follow. The children are aware of the consequences of not following the rules in their school community. The children learn to understand the difference between right and wrong in all aspects of school life throughout the day. There is an opportunity for children to put right what has been done wrong, wherever possible. Children are given opportunity to understand aspects of civil and criminal law and discuss how this might be different from some religious laws.(see topics) Pupils in our school expect and receive a fair system where actions are always respectfully justified. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws; that they exist to govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help reinforce this message. 

Individual Liberty 

• To understand rights and responsibilities 

At The Vale our 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 informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our e-Safety and PSHE lessons. Our children are encouraged to give their opinions and share these ideas with due regard for the feelings of others. As part of our PSHE curriculum we place a huge emphasis on the social and emotional learning of our children and feel we send them off to high school as well rounded individuals. We celebrate achievements both in and out of school, in assemblies,through certificates, achievement board and on positive postcards which are then sent home. We have dojos in our school which are given out when children are following our behavioural rules and our values.  There are worry boxes in every classroom which also helps the children access support in a confidential and supportive way as well as worry boxes in the infant and junior corridors. We have a trained Thrive practitioner who works with children with specific emotional needs. 

Mutual Respect and tolerance of those of different Faiths and Beliefs 

• Reflective about their own beliefs, religious or otherwise that inform their interest in and respect for different people’s faiths, feelings and values 

• Reflective about their own experiences 

• Interest in investigating and offering reasoned views about moral and ethical issues and being able to understand and appreciate the viewpoints of others 

• Use a range of social skills in different contexts, including working and socialising with pupils from different religions, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds 

• Participate in a variety of communities and social settings, cooperating well with others 

• Understanding and appreciation of the range of different cultures within school and further afield as an essential part of their preparation for life in modern Britain 

•  Understand, accept, respect and celebrate diversity as shown by their tolerance and attitudes 

Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect. 

We actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures. Religious Education lessons and PSHE lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others. Members of different faiths and religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. The children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths. Throughout school life the children are encouraged to discuss differences between people such as their faith, ethnicity, disability, gender or sexuality. They also discuss differences in family life such as looked after children or young carers. Assemblies throughout the year celebrate and make aware all the religious festivals occurring.