British Core Values

Commitment to British Core Values

 

The DfE have reinforced the need “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.” The Government set out its definition of British Values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy and these values were reiterated in 2014.

At Holy Trinity, these British core values are taught within RE, SEAL, PSHE and collective worship. We also teach British values through planning and delivering a broad and balanced curriculum. These values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

 

Democracy

This is an important value at Holy Trinity. Pupils have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. We have a school council which involves children from Year 2 – Year 6. They meet regularly to discuss issues raised in class, on the playground and local or even global issues. The council members for each class are voted in by their class. Children have the opportunity to put forward their views about the school frequently. They also attend Youth Parliament at the local Town Hall throughout the year.   

 

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws and rules, whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days. Our whole school behaviour system is aligned to an agreed set of class expectations and if children are given verbal warnings this is always set against the agreed school behaviour policy. Children are asked to identify which aspect of the school behaviour policy they have broken to ensure that this connection is made and understood.

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 from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help reinforce this message.

To encourage and promote good behaviour, attitude and work, we have devised a reward system which is consistently followed throughout the school. As a school, we are committed to praising children’s efforts. We endeavour to praise the children informally, individually, during group work, in front of the whole class and the whole school community (through assemblies and newsletters). Children are rewarded not only for achievement in curriculum areas but for behaviour and overall conduct throughout the school.

Rewards are given in the form of praise points, stickers, certificates, vouchers, prizes and books. Children’s achievements are also recognised during whole school assemblies.

 

Individual Liberty

Within school, 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 choices safely, through provision of a safe environment and planned curriculum. 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 teaching, SEAL and PSHE lessons. Pupils are given the freedom to make choices, e.g. signing up for extra-curricular clubs, volunteering to be playground buddies or prefects.

 

Mutual Respect

Mutual respect is at the heart of our values and our school ‘Mission Statement’. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. Collective Worship is based on ‘Christian Values’ which are central to how we expect everyone to go about their life at our school.

 

Acceptance 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 in our local community which is predominantly white British. Assemblies include stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures. Our RE and PSHE teaching reinforce this. We use opportunities such as the Olympics, World Cup and major religious festivals to study and learn about life and culture in countries such as Brazil and China.

Holy Trinity values the diverse ethnic backgrounds of all pupils and families and undertakes a variety of events and lessons to celebrate this. We have found this approach to be enriching for all parties as it teaches acceptance and respect for the differences in our community and the wider world. Underpinning all of this are a range of curriculum topics which have strong links to our core values.

At Holy Trinity Catholic Primary School, we will actively challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views.