British Values

Preparing Children for Life in Modern Britain

We take very seriously our responsibility to prepare children for life in modern Britain. We ensure that 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 furthering understanding of these concepts and, in particular, our RE, PSHE, Citizenship lessons and Assemblies provide opportunities to deepen and develop understanding. Children embrace these concepts with enthusiasm and demonstrate a good understanding of their application to their own lives.

British Values Statement

We value the diversity of backgrounds of all pupils, families and wider school community.

The Department for Education states that there is a 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 Department for Education defines British Values as follows:

Respect for democracy and support or participation in the democratic process
Respect for the basis on which the law is made and applies in England
Support for equality of opportunity for all
Support and respect for the liberties of all within the law
Respect for and tolerance of different faiths and religious and other beliefs

Our school reflects British values in all that we do. We aim to nurture our children on their journey through life so they can grow into safe, caring, democratic, responsible and tolerant adults who make a positive difference to British society and to the world. We encourage our children to be creative, unique, open-minded and independent individuals, respectful of themselves and of others in our school, our local community and the wider world.

We actively promote British values in the following ways:

Democracy

All children are encouraged to debate topics of interest, express their views and make a meaningful contribution to the running of the school on matters that directly involve pupils. Children also have the opportunity to have their voices heard through pupil questionnaires and pupil surveys.
The principle of democracy is explored in the curriculum as well as during assemblies and special days. Pupils have had active involvement in the selection processes of new staff.

Rule of Law

School rules and expectations are clear, fair and regularly promoted.
Pupils are always helped to distinguish right from wrong, in the classroom, during assemblies and on the playground.
Pupils are encouraged to respect the law and Hawkesley enjoys visits from authorities such as the Police, Fire Service, etc. to help reinforce this message
The Behaviour and Anti-Bullying policies set out a zero tolerance baseline for any form of aggression, abuse or violence, which extends to pupils, staff and parents and carers.

Individual Liberty

Within school, pupils are actively encouraged, and given the freedom to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. eg. by signing up for extra-curricular clubs.
Pupils are supported to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence.
Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their behaviour and our pastoral support reinforces the importance of making the right choices.
Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our e-safety teaching and PSHE lessons.
Vulnerable pupils are protected and stereotypes challenged. A strong anti-bullying culture is embedded in the school and any form of bullying is challenged and addressed. The school also operates a robust system of logging incidents.
Pupils have key roles and responsibilities in school e.g. Head Boy and Girl, Play leaders, Class Buddies, etc.

Mutual Respect and Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs

Respect is one of the core values of our school. The pupils know and understand that it is expected that respect is shown to everyone, adults and children.
Pupils are helped to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life.
Staff and pupils are encouraged to challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour.
Links and visits are promoted with local faith communities and places of worship. E.g. Members of different faiths or religions are invited to school to share their knowledge and enhance learning within assemblies and in class.
Through the PSHE and RE curriculums pupils are encouraged to discuss and respect differences between people.
Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudiced-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE.
We offer a culturally rich and diverse curriculum in which all major religions are studied and respected and global dimension work embedded in many of our Creative Curriculum topics, such as the Travel and Holidays. These curriculum topics offer children the chance to reflect on our core values and British values.