At Darrington CE Primary School we take our responsibility to prepare children for life in ‘Modern Britain’ very seriously. We ensure the fundamental British values are introduced, discussed and lived out through the ethos and work of the school.

All curriculum areas provide a vehicle for developing the understanding of these concepts and in particular, our RE and PSHE lessons provide excellent opportunities to deepen and develop understanding. Children are enthusiastic to demonstrate a good understanding of how these values apply to their own lives.

The Government emphasises that schools are required to ensure that key ‘British Values’ are taught in all UK schools. The British Values are:

• Rule of Law

• Individual Liberty

• Democracy

• Mutual Respect and Tolerance of those of different faiths & belief

 

In our school we provide these values in the following ways:

Democracy

Our children have the opportunity to have their voice heard through our School Council. Elections are undertaken and children vote for their peers. 'OPAL officers' assume responsibility for the behaviour of children at break and lunchtime.

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws and rules are consistently reinforced throughout the school day. Our Behaviour and Discipline Policy clearly outlines our behavioural expectations and children are well aware of the consequences for their actions. Children are taught the value and reasons for the laws that protect us and the responsibilities that are involved, as well as what the consequences are when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the police, fire service, church and other organisations support and reinforce these messages for our children.

Individual Liberty

Within school, children are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and set boundaries for our children to make choices safely for them to know and understand their rights and personal freedoms and how these can be fulfilled safely within our school environment.

Our children are regularly allowed to make their own choices by attending clubs, selecting meals, selecting aspects of their learning and by becoming increasingly independent.

Mutual Respect

Respect is one of the core Christian values that underpins our school. Our children know and understand that it is expected and imperative that respect is shown to everyone, whatever individual differences we may have. Respect is in evidence in all we do and children and adults, including visitors are treated with the utmost respect. We are polite and courteous in how we behave towards others.

Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

Our children are encouraged to understand that other people having different faiths or beliefs should be accepted and tolerated and should not be the cause of prejudice or discriminatory behaviour.  At Darrington CE Primary School, our children learn to understand their place in a culturally diverse society. Our RE and PSHE curriculum, assemblies, visits and visitors to the school contribute to the children’s knowledge and understanding and the right for each person to be respected and regarded equally irrespective of gender, ability, faith, race or heritage.