Albany Village Primary School
British Values
In Albany Village Primary School we value the diversity of backgrounds of all pupils, families and wider school community. We recognise the multi-cultural, multi faith and everchanging nature of the United Kingdom. We understand the vital role we have in ensuring that groups or individuals within the school are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.
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.
In Albany Village Primary School, we actively promote British values in the following ways:
Democracy
The principle of democracy is consistently being reinforced in school, with democracy processes being used for important decisions within the school community, for instance, elections being held for Head of Houses and School Council positions. The principle of democracy is also explored in the curriculum as well as assemblies.
- 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. Members of the School Council were invited to the Council Chambers by our local councillor and met the Mayor of Sunderland.
- Our Behaviour Policy involves pupils making good choices.
Rule of Law
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced in our school.
Pupils are taught the rules and expectations of the school which are highlighted in class rules and reminders around school. Pupils are taught the value and the reasons behind laws that govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken.
- 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 make “good “choices”
- Pupils are encouraged to respect the law and school enjoys visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service to help reinforce this message The Behaviour and Anti-Bullying policies set out a zero tolerance approach for any form of aggression, abuse or violence, which extends to pupils, staff and parents and carers.
Individual Liberty
In Albany Village Primary School, pupils are actively encouraged to make independent choices, with the knowledge that they are in a safe, secure and supportive environment. Staff at school educate and provide boundaries for 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 are advised on how to exercise these safely.
Our school has a robust anti-bullying culture:
- Within school, pupils are actively encouraged, and given the freedom to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. ie: 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 all our staff reinforce 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. Our school is the only school in Sunderland to have achieved an Anti-bullying award at Platinum level. We are very proud of work around this aspect.
- Pupils have key roles and responsibilities in school e.g. Year 5 & Year 6 Monitors, Playground Buddies, etc.
Mutual Respect and Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs
This is achieved though equipping pupils with the ability to understand their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving the opportunities to experience such diversity within the school community. Pupils benefit from visits and visitors. Additionally, pupils are actively encouraged to share their faith and beliefs within the school and celebrate festivities throughout the calendar year. The Religious Studies curriculum, which is compulsory for all students, provides a broad and balanced education on a range of faiths, religions and cultures.
- 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.
- Through the PSHE and RE curriculums pupils are encouraged to discuss and respect differences between people, such as differences of faith, ethnicity, disability, gender or sexuality and differences of family situations.
- Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudiced-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE.
- We offer a curriculum in which all major religions are studied and respected and global dimensions work is embedded in many of our Curriculum topics. These curriculum topics offer children the chance to reflect on our core values and British values.
Albany Village Primary School aims to ensure that its pupils leave with the strongest foundation of values upon which to build a successful life and a successful contribution to our society.