British Values
Promoting British Values at Birkbeck Primary School
The Government defines British Values as:
- The values of democracy
- The rule of law
- Individual Liberty
- Mutual respect
- Tolerance for those of different faiths and beliefs.
As a school we understand the importance of these values but do not believe that these values will be assumed because we demand it. Instead we aim to encourage children to discuss their view points, and then understand and challenge them. At Birkbeck these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy
Each year the children decide upon their school council ambassador.
The school council ambassadors meet every half term with a senior leader to discuss school improvement and issues that have been raised.
Children have an annual 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 Birkbeck.
Pupils are taught from an early age the rules of the school. These are our school rules school and school values. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken.
Our school rules are:
- Ready
- Respectful
- Safe
Individual Liberty
At Birkbeck, 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.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
At Birkbeck we 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.
