The DfE have recently reinforced the need “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.”

Citizens of the UK are encouraged to:

•          Respect and obey the law

•          Respect the rights of others, including their right to their own opinions

•          Treat others with fairness

•          Look after yourself and your family

•          Look after the area in which you live and the environment

At Curwen Primary School we believe our enriching curriculum and extra-curricular activities, supports these fundamental British Values.

We are committed to promoting an appreciation for Modern Britain in the following ways:

Democracy:

Democracy is rife within our school. Pupil voice, as well as parent/carer voice, plays a central part in developing school improvement priorities. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council and Pupil questionnaires. At the beginning of each year when we have school council votes-we have a ‘Democracy’ theme in each class. This is an opportunity for teachers to get to know their new class as well as giving children a chance to debate and discuss life in Britain. This results in a display in the hall from Nursery to Year 6.

The school is clear in demonstrating how pupils should contribute and co-operate and consider the views and needs of others. Our school behaviour policy involves rewards and sanctions which the pupils have contributed to. The School Council meets regularly and takes part in decision making on a range of topics. These topics are then discussed at the Council Meetings. Pupils also visit the town hall and meet councillors.

Parents/carers and visitors also have the opportunity to write their views/ recommendations/ideas for the future after class assemblies, workshops and school events. A comments book and evaluations are provided after every event.

The Rule of Law:

All staff members have high expectations of the children in our school. The importance of laws and rules are consistently reinforced in the classroom, as well as through school assemblies. Pupils are taught to understand the need for laws - that they are there for individual protection, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Pupils follow a positive behaviour policy and clearly understand the rewards and sanctions that are used. Assemblies and discussions in class focus on recognising right from wrong and visits from the Police and Fire Service help to reinforce these messages. Children from Nursery to year 6 discuss many moral issues throughout their SRE lessons. P4C lessons and extra-curricular clubs and also enable them to develop their understanding of the rules of the law when relevant. We deal openly and responsibly with any events in the news and put them into perspective, according to age of children.

Individual Liberty:

Pupils are encouraged to be independent learners, constantly making choices, within a safe and supportive environment. Developing their self- esteem and self-confidence is very important. Pupils are encouraged to understand their personal freedoms and are taught how to use these rights. They are taught consideration for others through our Religious Education curriculum and enriching curriculum.  E-safety lessons enable the children to make choices in a safe manner. School council regularly meet with our local police officer and councillor. For example, they identified safe and unsafe areas in our local area, and suggested ways of making it safer.

Running alongside individual liberty, we aim to develop children’s sense of social conscience and community. All of our staff and children are actively involved in supporting our fundraising campaigns. Fundraising for variety of established charities, but also responding to events home and abroad:

Children in need, Comic relief, Pakistan earthquake appeal, Tsunami appeal, food banks, Genes for Genes, Red Nose day, Macmillan afternoon tea, Remembrance Sunday, Easter bonnet parade selling poppies, and many more others. We always make the purpose of the fundraising clear.

Mutual Respect:

Our school rules are based round the word ‘RESPECT ‘.

At Curwen Primary School values of respect and tolerance permeate all areas of school life. This ensures a climate within which pupils feel safe, secure and allows them to fulfil their potential. All members of staff demonstrate respect to everyone with whom they come into contact. They consistently model and promote the behaviours and attitudes that are the foundation of positive relationships. The strong school ethos encourages everyone to consider and support each other and to celebrate the worth and individuality of every member of the school community. Discussions in class and during whole school assemblies as well as issues that are promoted during collective worship, allow the children to show respect and reverence to all other individuals. We give children opportunities to support other children such as through our Peer Mentors and Reading Buddies. We celebrate good work and effort; older children have respect for the younger children’s successes through Pupil of the week.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:

Pupils are reminded of their place in a culturally diverse society. This is achieved through our Religious Education curriculum and the SMSC aspects of the school. Assemblies and class work promote the diversity of society and the right for each person to be respected and valued equally regardless of ability, gender, faith, heritage or race. Musical appreciation assemblies have music and songs from a range of cultures to reinforce understanding of assembly themes. Every class hosts a celebration assembly once a year to parents round a particular religion/festival e.g.  Diwali, Guru Nanak’s birthday, Remembrance etc.

Members of different faiths or religions are invited to school to share their knowledge and enhance learning within assemblies and in class. Every year, each class spends one week studying another country during International Week which allows them to compare and contrast cultures whilst respecting other faiths and beliefs. International week and carnival are effective ways to celebrate diversity and learning from others, including a fashion show, cultural food competition and a cultural exhibition. Sometimes we have had to offer support some families and give them ideas of what clothes/food/artefacts they can bring, as they do not always see their own identity as clearly as other cultures. This work is also embedded in  many other curriculum areas which are studied throughout the year. Opportunities such as the Olympics/World cup are always used to study other cultures.