British Values
British Values
Promoting Fundamental British Values at Oaktree Nursery and Primary School
In accordance with The Department for Education, we aim to actively promote British values in our school 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 views about what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, all people living in England are subject to its law.
The Key British Values are:
- democracy
- rule of law
- individual liberty
- mutual respect
- tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
At Oaktree we actively promote British Values in the following ways:
Democracy
- All children are encouraged to debate topics of interest, express their views and make a meaningful contribution to the running of the school on matters that directly involve pupils. Children also have the opportunity to have their voices heard through pupil questionnaires and Pupil Voice sessions.
- The principle of democracy is explored in the curriculum as well as during assemblies and special days.
- Oaktree’s pupils have had active involvement in the selection processes of, council members and in some cases appointment of staff.
Rule of Law
- Our school follows our three ‘Golden Rules’, or ‘Class Rule’ which are integral to our learning and ethos every day.
- School rules and expectations are clear, fair and regularly promoted.
- Pupils are always supported to distinguish right from wrong, in the classroom, during collective worship and on the playground.
- Pupils are encouraged to respect the law understanding that it used to protect us and keep us safe.
- The Behaviour and Anti-Bullying policies set out a zero tolerance baseline for any form of aggression, abuse or violence, which extends to pupils, staff, parents and carers.
Individual Liberty
- Within school, pupils are actively encouraged, and given the freedom to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment.
- Pupils are supported to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence.
- Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their behaviour and our Rainbow Room reinforces the importance of making the right choices.
- 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 teaching and Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) lessons.
- Vulnerable pupils are protected and stereotypes challenged. A strong anti-bullying culture is embedded in the school and any form of bullying is challenged and addressed. The school also operates a robust system of logging incidents.
- Pupils have key roles and responsibilities in school e.g. Council Members,
Mutual Respect and Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs
- Respect is one of the core values of our school. The pupils know and understand that it is expected that respect is shown to everyone, adults and children.
- Pupils are helped to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life.
- Staff and pupils are encouraged to challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour.
- Links and visits are promoted with local faith communities and places of worship.
- Through the PSHE and RE curriculums pupils are encouraged to discuss and respect differences between people, such as differences of faith, ethnicity, disability, gender or sexuality and differences of family situations.
- We offer a culturally rich and diverse curriculum in which all major religions are studied and respected and global dimension work embedded in many of our Creative Curriculum topics and whole school enrichment days/weeks.