Promoting British Values at Perranporth
In November 2014, the Department for Education published guidance on promoting British values in school to ensure young people leave school prepared for life in modern Britain.
All schools have a duty to “actively promote” the fundamental British values:
At Perranporth, we ensure that these values are embedded throughout the curriculum and in our ethos.
Democracy
Each year the children in Year 6 have the opportunity to be voted in as Diamond 6s. The willing candidates make speeches in front the whole school and then children and staff makes their votes for their chosen six children. All children contribute to this. Children have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. We have an active School Parliament who discuss issues raised in classes. Members are elected by the children in their classes. We hold an annual survey in which children are able to put forward their views about the school which are then addressed by senior management, enabling the children to understand how their voices can influence decision making.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout the school day via our Diamond Rules and through the school’s Relationships & Behaviour policy. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules (laws), the responsibilities that these involve and the consequences when rules are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police, the Fire Service or local lifeguards help reinforce these messages.
Individual Liberty
Within 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 young pupils to make choices safely. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to do this safely, for example through e-safety and PSHE. Our Behaviour management focuses on a positive approach with pupils taking responsibility for their own behaviour and the need to make good choices. We also actively promote an anti-bullying culture through assemblies and our PSHE curriculum.
Mutual Respect and Tolerance of those with different Faiths and Beliefs
Mutual respect is a key value that we promote throughout the school. All members of the school community treat each other with respect and children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others.
In addition to our RE and PSHE teaching, assemblies are regularly planned to reinforce this either directly or through the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures. Traditional values of empathy, respect and tolerance are reinforced. We also hold an annual World Religion Day in which we spend a day exploring different world religions, faiths and customs. Understanding that people have different faiths or beliefs to themselves (or having none) is promoted as something which is accepted alongside an understanding that, if it is not, this would be prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour.
Perranporth is situated in an area which is not greatly culturally diverse, and we therefore place additional emphasis on promoting diversity with the children. The pupils enjoy a broad and balanced curriculum which celebrates individuality. In addition, we ensure that Black History Month is a regular part of our assembly cycle. In these assemblies, children learn about a range of inspirational figures both past and present and we take opportunities to celebrate such diverse events as the Olympics, World Cup or the Platinum Jubilee. Topics studied also include learning about other countries and their beliefs, traditions and customs as well as their geography and history.
We will actively challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views.
