British Values
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.”
The Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy. At Noel Park Primary Academy these values are reinforced regularly in the following ways:
Democracy
Each year, pupils vote for their school council class representative. Potential candidates deliver a presentation to their class and an election is held where pupils enter their vote into a ballot box.
Our school council meet weekly to discuss issues raised by individuals and classes and influence change both within the school and the local community.
Each year the children decide upon their class rules and explore what being part of a community means in practice.
Children have a termly questionnaire where they are able to put forward their views about the school.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws, whether they are those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at Noel Park Primary School. Pupils are taught from an early age that at Noel Park we:
● value and respect each other
● create an environment which facilitates exceptional work at all times
● move quietly and carefully around the school
● are equipped with a range of strategies to support us in solving our own problems
● respect the school’s equipment, environment and each other’s property
● actively challenge acts of discrimination based on protected characteristics.
Pupils are also taught the importance of our four values:
● be unusually brave
● discover what's possible
● push the limits
● be big hearted
Pupils are expected to follow the school and class rules at all times. Through the curriculum and weekly assemblies, children are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws, how they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that these involve and the consequences when rules are broken. Scheduled visits from authorities such as the police and fire service help reinforce this message.
Individual Liberty
Through the curriculum, we encourage pupils to express and listen to each other’s views; for example, through PSHE discussions, debates in English and topic lessons and the use of talk partners.
Our curriculum supports pupils to develop their self-esteem, self-belief and self-confidence. We encourage pupils to express their individuality and creativity through challenging stereotypes.
At Noel Park, 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 pupils to make informed choices and teach children how to make the right choice, for example through PSHE discussions and weekly assemblies.
Noel Park Primary School has a strong anti-bullying culture and our pupils understand the importance of being a helpful bystander.
Mutual Respect
Mutual respect is one of Noel Park's core values. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community are encouraged to treat each other with respect.
At Noel Park Primary School we actively promote diversity, tolerance and understanding, through our celebration of different faiths and cultures. Through the teaching of Religious Education and PSHE we reinforce messages of tolerance and respect. Pupils teach each other about their cultures and faiths, for example, through presentations to other classes. Whole school assemblies include stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures.
We always challenge prejudicial and discriminatory behaviour on an individual, class or whole school level. Children are given the opportunity to discuss the differences between people, such as faith, ethnicity, disability, gender, family differences or sexuality.
