British Values

HOW WE PROMOTE BRITISH VALUES IN SCHOOL    

The government set out their definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy; these were reinforced in September 2014. These regulations sit alongside the requirements of the Equalities Act, which applies to all types of school in England.

At Gillshill we work hard to promote and embed these important fundamental British values:

·       democracy

·       the rule of law

·       individual liberty

·       mutual respect

·       tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

We have a comprehensive PSHE curriculum, Jigsaw, and a Safeguarding curriculum, both of which cover lessons on understanding British Values. 

DEMOCRACY

Pupil voice is an important part of life at Gillshill Primary. Our pupil elected school council plays a strong role in our school life. The School Councillors are elected by their class peers and are involved in making decisions which contribute to making Gillshill Primary the best place to learn. School Councillors not only represent their peers at Council Meetings but also feedback to their classes. The School Council has the opportunity to meet with members of our Governing Body to ensure their input is instrumental in the leadership of our school. Pupils have a great amount of input in regards to what and how they learn, which promotes pupil voice. Pupil questionnaires and interviews are also conducted throughout the year, as part of our monitoring cycle, and are used to help us improve, revise and shape our provision.

THE RULE OF LAW

Our pupils will encounter rules and laws throughout their entire lives. We want our pupils to understand that whether these laws govern the class, the school, the neighbourhood or the country, they are set for good reasons and must be adhered to. This understanding of the importance of rules will be consistently reinforced through assemblies and our curriculum. The involvement of our pupils in the creation of the class rules helps them to understand the reasons behind the rules and the consequences if they are broken. Through class discussions, we allow opportunities to debate and discuss the reasons for laws so that children can recognise the importance of these for their own protection. Throughout the year we welcome visits from members of the wider community including the police, PCSOs, school crossing patrol, the fire brigade, faith members, NSPCC and many more. We believe that clear explanations and real life stories emphasise the importance of the rule of law for our pupils.

INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY

We invest a great deal of time in creating a positive culture in our school, so that children are in a safe environment where choices and freedoms are encouraged. In lessons, children are trusted to challenge themselves which gives them more freedom to determine their own learning. We offer a range of clubs which pupils have the freedom to choose from, based on their interests.

Through our Online Safety, class discussions and assemblies, we educate children on their rights and personal freedoms as well as supporting them in recognising how to exercise these freedoms safely. At Gillshill Primary we believe that valuing choice and freedom in daily school life will foster a value for individual liberty as the children grow older and embark upon their next stage of learning.

MUTUAL RESPECT

Mutual respect is at the heart of our school life. Pupils learn to treat each other and staff with great respect. This is evident when walking around Gillshill Primary and in our classrooms. Our challenging curriculum develops learning behaviours, life skills and life-long learning. 

Children use first-hand experiences to learn about life through carefully planned activities and visits.  Children learn about respect, empathy and good communication and by the end of their journey at Gillshill are able to demonstrate and articulate these qualities.

TOLERANCE OF THOSE OF DIFFERENT FAITHS AND BELIEFS

At Gillshill Primary we offer a culturally rich and diverse curriculum in which all major religions and worldwide views are studied and respected. We strongly believe that tolerance is gained through knowledge and understanding.

Through our curriculum and the routines of our daily school life, we strive to demonstrate tolerance and help children to become knowledgeable and understanding citizens who can build a better Britain for the future.