TEACHING BRITISH VALUES
Promoting British Values at Temple Ewell CEP School
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.”
British Values are reflected in our school’s Christian vision (Faith in God, ourselves and each other) and FAITH values (Forgiveness Acceptance Inspiration Trust Hope). At Temple Ewell CEP School, in addition to focused class teaching British Values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy
Temple Ewell CEP School is a nurturing and pupil focused school, in its very nature democratic.
Each year the children vote for their House Captain and Vice Captain. The candidates campaign and present their ‘offer’ before a secret ballot of pupils is made.
We have a School Council which meets regularly with the Headteacher to discuss issues and whole school events, including charity fund raising. Additionally the Sports Council meet to discuss and organise sports events, the Spiritual Council organise and present services in our church, discuss our worship and spiritual provision, etc. Our Learners’ Forum participate in teaching and learning reviews and engage in Action Research.
Opinions of the children are frequently sought through questionnaires and as an intrinsic part of our Quality First Teaching. Children with SEND are regularly consulted regarding their provision.
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 Temple Ewell School.
Pupils are taught from an early age the rules of the school. These are our Golden Rules, Playground Rules and Safety Rules. 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. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help reinforce this message.
The children are taught to self regulate their behaviour using the Incredible Five Point Scale. Responsibility is actively promoted through the use of the Restorative Approach.
Individual Liberty
At Temple Ewell CEP School, 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 our 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 online safety, RE and learning across the curriculum as well as ongoing opportunities for social reflections.
Pupils’ mental health well being is very important to us at Temple Ewell CEP School. We recognise the impact that this can have on learning, social relationships and decision making. Proactive teaching and responsive support are strongly embedded in our school.
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. Positive relationships between all members of our school community are fostered and celebrated.
The effectiveness of class learning and extracurricular clubs is reliant on mutual respect and positive learning attitude. The school’s behaviour policy is very clear in terms of respecting the needs of all including children’s right to learn and feel happy and safe at school.
Our nurture group aims to build positive attachments and to give individuals the skills to develop and sustain respectful relationships and self worth.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Temple Ewell CEP School is a faith school with a strongly inclusive ethos. We are a recognised Inclusion Centre of Excellence. We actively promote diversity and celebrate the individual. Collective Worship, Religious Education lessons and learning across the curriculum 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. We take active responsibility in building our children’s acceptance and tolerance, attributes that are central to our values.
Walk With Amal (refugee project)
At Temple Ewell CEP our year 4, 5 and 6 pupils had the honour of participating in the Future Foundry led procession through Dover with Amal, Light leads the way. The event on 20th October 2021, to raise awareness of child refugees, was incredibly emotive and inspirational. Staff, parents and pupils alike commented that this was an occasion they will never forget. Working with Future Foundry to make the lanterns has enabled the development of new and purposeful construction knowledge and the opportunity to display growth mindset and pride. Amal’s visit to Dover has become the hook for a focused learning fortnight across the school – Refugees: All are welcome. Staff provided opportunities across the curriculum for the children in all classes to explore and develop their awareness of global citizenship through knowledge as well as emotional responses. This experience has linked absolutely with our school values story of The Good Samaritan and the British Values of mutual respect and tolerance.
