British Values
Press Release
In its press release on 27 November 2014, the Department for Education told all schools to promote 'British values' and produced advice for doing so through SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Education).
Ofsted wants to see a school ethos and climate that promotes 'British values' at every level. Inspectors will assess 'British values' through PSHE / SMSC and the wider curriculum.
At Lee Chapel we promote British Values throughout the school; in our school ethos, working environments and lessons. As a school, we feel it is imperative for children to understand what it means to have ‘values’ and by promoting British Values, this enables children to understand the world around them on a local, national and global level.
According to Ofsted, 'fundamental British values' are:
Democracy
Each year the children decide upon their class charter and the rights associated with these.
All the children contribute to the drawing up of the charter.
We have a student council which meets once per term with the Headteacher to discuss issues raised in class council meetings. The council has its own budget and is genuinely able to effect change within the school. Every child on the student council is voted in by their class. Children have an annual questionnaire where they are able to put forward their views about the school.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at Lee Chapel.
Pupils are taught from an early age the 5R’s and the Code of Conduct which are the rules of the school. These are our Golden Rules, Playground Rules and eSafety Rules. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits to and from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help reinforce this message.
Individual Liberty
At Lee Chapel, 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 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 how to exercise these safely, for example through our eSafety and PSHE lessons.
Mutual Respect
Mutual respect is at the heart of our mission and aims.
Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect. The first of our Golden Rules reads: Be respectful. Our mission statement reads: Respecting each other.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Lee Chapel is a diverse school.
We actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures. Religious Education and PSHE lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others. Our multicultural pages on our website illustrate our commitment to exploring our diverse school community. Members of different faiths and religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. The children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths.
As a school, we will continue to promote these values and will ensure children understand what they entail. We aim to prepare children for their future and teaching the British Values is integral to our school ethos. All children, regardless of their ability, are encouraged and empowered to 'Aspire, Believe and Achieve' both academically and as a person.
We are always looking to establish links with local services, faith groups and organisations, so if you would be interested in sharing / presenting to our children linked to the above British Values, please contact our SMSC lead, Mr Wilson.
