Teaching British Values
DfE guidance states that schools should promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and understanding of those with different faiths and beliefs.
At Crags Community School our broad and balanced curriculum demonstrates this in a number of ways;
Democracy
Democracy underpins a lot of the work we undertake with our children. Pupil voice is a crucial part of our ethos and it is our belief that all children’s voices should be heard. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard though a variety of platforms including our pupil parliament, sports ambassadors, eco-reps and via learning walks and regular pupil questionnaires. Elections for school council representatives are undertaken in each class. Children are always able to voice their opinions and we foster an environment where children are safe to disagree with each other.
The Rule of Law
The importance of Laws, whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, is reinforced through our curriculum, as well as when managing behaviour and through school assemblies. The school’s behaviour and pastoral support has at its core the principle of making the correct choices in life and adhering to our key beliefs through the 'Team Crags' ethos. Our 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 and visitors from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service are regular parts of our calendar and help to reinforce this message.
Individual Liberty
Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices knowing they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for pupils to make choices safely. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our online safety and Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE) lessons and activities. Whether it is through choice of challenge, of how they record work, or participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
Mutual Respect
Respect is consistently and frequently discussed with the children through circle time, assemblies, and school and sports councils. Our behaviour and pastoral ethos is based on ensuring all children respect one another and can value everyone as individuals that work together as a team.
Tolerance of 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 and events in the school calendar to raise awareness.