British Values

Promoting British Values

The Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values were reiterated in 2014. At Great Ouse Primary Academy these values are reinforced regularly by focusing on the following:

Democracy

Great Ouse Primary Academy will become a UNICEF Rights Respecting school. Children have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. We have a school council which meets regularly to discuss issues raised in class council meetings. The council has its own budget and is able to genuinely effect change within 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 throughout regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. Children 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.

Individual Liberty

Within school, children 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 children to make choices safely, through provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Children 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 PSHCE lessons.

Mutual Respect

As a potential Rights Respecting School, mutual respect is at the heart of our values. 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.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

Great Ouse Primary Academy is situated in an area which has great cultural diversity and we place a great emphasis on promoting diversity with the children. Assemblies will be regularly planned to celebrate and promote a variety of faiths and cultures. At Great Ouse Primary Academy we will actively challenge children, staff and parents/carers expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views.

The purpose of the Great Ouse Primary Academy Prevent Strategy is to protect children from harm and to ensure that they are taught in a way that is consistent with the law and British values. To this end it will act to;

• Raise awareness
• Provide information
• Enable learners to make a positive contribution
• Safeguard young people

Specific links between British Values and Discovery RE by Key Stage