Archdale School

Promoting British Values

Archdale School - Promoting British Values

The Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values were reiterated in 2014.

“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.” DfE

At Archdale School these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways.

Democracy

Children are encouraged to express their views, value each other’s views and express their feelings. We have a School Council which meets regularly to discuss issues in school. We support the decisions that children make and provide many activities that involve turn taking, sharing and collaboration. Children contribute to their Annual Reviews by sharing with teachers and parents/carers the activities in school which they most prefer.

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws and rules are taught through the school day as the children learn and play. These are reinforced through school assemblies where the ‘rules of assembly’ are always shared. We support children to understand their own and other’s behaviour and its consequences, and learn to distinguish right from wrong.

Individual Liberty

Children are encouraged to make choices and know they are doing so in a safe and supportive environment. 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 and PSHE lessons.

Mutual Respect

Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Staff and pupils foster a mutual respect for one another which is achieved by sharing core values and respecting each other’s opinions. By being engaged in the wider community we create an ethos of inclusion. This is achieved by visits to the local community and working together with local organisations.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

Archdale is culturally rich. Throughout the year we ensure that a range of activities and celebrations are held which reflect different faiths and beliefs. Our RE and PSHE teaching also encompasses a wide range of faiths and beliefs. Children also visit places of worship that are important to different faiths.

At Archdale we will actively challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views.