Promoting British Values
Grove Park Primary School - Commitment to British Values
The Government set out its definition of British values in 2011. At Grove Park Primary School, these important values are reinforced regularly and are evidenced in the following ways:
Schools, through their curriculum, are legally bound to actively promote fundamental British values. We promote British values in our SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social & Cultural development) lessons taught during our PSHE scheme of work: Jigsaw: The Mindful approach. All 5 British values are covered in our half termly puzzle pieces: Being Me in My World, Celebrating Difference, Dreams & Goals, Healthy Me, Relationships and Changing Me. These units of work are taught in age appropriate ways across the whole school from Nursery to Year 6. Mindfulness is woven through our curriculum and enables us to provide a personal growth model of teaching. The pupils are taught social skills and emotional literacy, the ability to understand, listen, empathise with and express emotions.
Grove Park teaches pupils about British history and significant historical figures from the past who have influenced our values and lives. Each week the Headteacher delivers an assembly, which fosters and enhances the duties we all have in our country to be kind and good people who strive to be empathetic, peaceful and the best we can, all of which reflects the commitment to British values. We strive for all children at Grove Park to develop a good understanding of our country, its history and some of our customs, values, democracy, law, liberty, respect and tolerance.
Our Harvest festival sets the tone for our extensive focus on charities and helping those who need our support. Each year we give food, good and donations to amazing organisations such as Hounslow Community FoodBox and The Upper Room in Shepherd’s Bush, which support individuals and families in our local area.
Democracy
Democracy is a means for the people to choose their government by voting.
At Grove Park we develop democracy by providing pupils with a broad general knowledge of, and promote respect for, public institutions and services. ‘Being Me In My World’ PSHE unit of work is taught in Autumn 1 where every class across the whole school devises a learning charter to establish a safe, positive and open learning environment based on trusting relationships between all pupils and adults alike.
We encourage pupils to become involved in decision-making processes and ensure they are listened to in school. Our School Council, which consists of two class representatives from Reception to Year 6, is a group of pupils who act as one voice for all the pupils in the school. Its members are democratically elected by their fellow classmates to represent them. The school council meets regularly and is actively involved in developing policies and practices, which impact on the day-to-day practice within the school. All pupils belong to a school house which engenders respect, tolerance and team spirit.
We teach pupils how they can influence decision-making through the democratic process. We include in the curriculum information on the advantages and disadvantages of democracy and how it works in Britain. Pupils learn how to articulate themselves politely and confidently and explain and reason their points of view. We help pupils to express their views and teach pupils how public services operate and how they are held to account. Staff model how perceived injustice can be peacefully challenged.
The Rule of Law
The Rule of Law is the principle that all people are subject to and accountable to law that is fairly applied and enforced.
At Grove Park we have high expectations about pupils conduct and behaviour which is reflected in our Behaviour Policy. We ensure the rules and expectations are explicit, clear and fair. We have a house point system in place across the whole school to encourage excellent behaviour and attitude to learning. Friday certificate assemblies are used to recognise and celebrate exceptional behaviour and positive attitude to learning. Parents are invited to the Friday assemblies to celebrate the success of the pupils.
Through our school’s values: TREE (Trust, Respect, Empathy & Enthusiasm), RE curriculum, collective worship, and PSHE Jigsaw programme, pupils are taught how to earn trust and respect and are supported to develop a strong sense of morality. We help the pupils to respect the law and the basis on which it is made and understand that living under the rule of law protects individuals by using visits from the police, London Transport, Local Councillors and other organisations.
Individual Liberty
Individual liberty means each of us having the freedom to make our own choices and do what we want within reason. As long as we respect the other British values and rights of others, then we are free to pursue our ambitions.
Pupils are taught through PSHE lessons how to stay safe and make good choices. E-safety lessons are taught each year with additional workshops to inform parents as well. The UN Convention on the rights of the child is taught in PSHE lessons and ensures the pupils are taught about their rights and responsibilities as a citizen of our school community, wider and global community.
Pupils are encouraged to take opportunities to follow their interests in a range of extra-curricular clubs including a range of sports, art, drama, dance, languages, Lego and chess club. We have a Key Stage 1 choir and a Key Stage 2 choir
Grove Park pupils are actively encouraged to make informed choices, knowing that they are in a safe and a supportive environment. As a school, we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make informed choices, through providing a safe environment and an empowering education. Our pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely. As a school, we believe in Trust, Respect, Empathy and Enthusiasm and being the best people we can. We implement a strong anti-bullying culture and participate in carefully planned lessons and activities linked with healthy friendships, keeping safe and anti-bullying.
Mutual Respect
Mutual respect is the understanding that we do not all share the same beliefs and values. Respecting the values, ideas and beliefs of others whilst not imposing our own on others. It is the foundation for honesty, trust and meaningful conversation.
Pupils are taught to respect each other, to be co-operative and collaborative and to look for similarities whilst being understanding of differences. Topics covered, such as ‘All About Me’ in our Early Years, ensures that the pupils are given opportunities from the moment they start school to talk about what makes them special and to listen to others talk about their own cultures and beliefs. Weekly RE lessons, ensure that the children have regular opportunities to learn about and demonstrate mutual respect for others.
Tolerance for those with different faiths & beliefs
Tolerance can be defined as a willingness to recognise and respect the beliefs and practices of others.
Through our RE Learning Journey, used across the whole school, pupils enjoy learning about different faiths and beliefs. They develop an understanding of and respect for people of other faiths or none and other cultures and lifestyles. Pupils are encouraged to discuss differences between people, such as differences of faith, ethnicity, disability, intellect, gender or sexuality and differences of family situations. Kindness and mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Pupils 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. Pupils learn about and visit places of worship and festivals. Assemblies and themed weeks provide the pupils with enriched experiences to deepen their understanding, tolerance and understanding of our culturally diverse community.
Here at Gove Park we strive endlessly to ensure that our pupils leave with the strongest foundation of values upon which to build a successful life and a successful contribution to our society.