British Values

At Featherstone Wood Primary School we aim to harness young children’s desire for fairness and using it as an opening to discuss bias and discrimination. Creating an environment where children can comment on the differences they observe. We want to encourage children to notice differences because they do so naturally, yet at the same time, honour people’s identities without judging or discriminating based on difference. Within our English curriculum we have several texts that approach the topic of bias, diversity, and social justice (Little Leaders – Bold Women in Black History, Little Leaders – Exceptional Men in Black History, Antiracist Baby etc). We provide books which may be about people who are different to the student, affirm their identity, those that expose bias, or share stories of people who stood up to injustice. Reading is a core part of our curriculum and therefore a seamless way to approach the topic.  We also focus on both Mary Seacole and Florence Nightingale in History and use other cultural references and texts in our learning. As we move through the year there will also be whole school events to celebrate different cultures within our community, for example, taking part in the World Day for Cultural Diversity organised by the UN. During this day the children will learn about different cultures and may learn about traditional celebrations, cook traditional foods or play a sport linked to a different culture.

Promoting British Values at Featherstone Wood

The DfE have recently reinforced the 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 government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values have been reiterated by the Prime Minister this year. At Featherstone Wood these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy:

Democracy is rife within the school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council, pupil voice meetings and Pupil questionnaires. The elections of Job Monitors, as well as pupils from each class selecting the two classes most ready to learn each week and awarding in assembly. Our school behaviour policy was designed and refined by the children. We listen to children’s and parent’s/carer's voices.

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 regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police; Fire Service; etc. are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message.

Individual Liberty:

Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices and develop their independence, 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, through of provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advise how to exercise these safely, for example through our skills square, E-Safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it be through choice of challenge, of how they record, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.

Mutual Respect:

Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy has revolved around our core skills such as ‘Respect’, and pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown. Posters around the school promote respect for others and this is reiterated through our classroom and learning rules, as well as our behaviour policy.

Respect for those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:

This is achieved through enhancing pupils understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE. The school promotes the languages spoken by our EAL pupils. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.