British Values
Promoting British Values through SMSC
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, and these values have been reiterated. At Shakespeare these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy
Each year the children decide upon their class charter and the rights associated with these. All the children contribute to the drawing up of the charter. We have a school council which meets regularly to discuss issues raised through classes. The council effect change within the school. Every child on the school council is voted in by their class. Our local councillors are often invited to share with the school council and we strive to continue local council involvement on a regular basis. Children have opportunity to share their views with other pupil voice groups such as School Food Ambassadors, Reading Ambassadors, Sports Ambassadors and Digital Leaders.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at Shakespeare. Pupils are taught about our Golden Rules.
Pupils are taught the value and golden reasons behind rules and laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police, Road Safety, Bike-abilityand Fire Service and the Junior Warden scheme help reinforce this message.
Individual Liberty
At Shakespeare, 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 advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our eSafety and PSHE lessons.
Mutual Respect
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. This is further promoted by weekly phrases that pay. These are displayed in each classroom and taught as part of a skills based circle time curriculum.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Shakespeare is a culturally rich school. 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.
Equality of Opportunity
The Governors and staff of Shakespeare Primary School are committed to the principle and practice of equality of opportunity. We have an inclusive ethos which means all staff, pupils and parents work together to ensure everyone, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability or social background can thrive. Pupils are taught to respect and celebrate difference and understand that everyone is of equal value. Our equality policy has been created in line with the Equality Act 2010 and is reviewed every year.
