British Values at Bramley Park Academy
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”.
At Bramley Park these values are reinforced regularly across our curriculum:
Democracy – At Bramley Park our 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 reports to the leadership and governors and is able to effect change within the school. The council members for each year group are voted in by their class. Our children complete a questionnaire enabling them to put forward their views about the school.
The Rule of Law – Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws; that they govern and protect us, as well as the consequences when laws are broken. The importance of Bramley Park’s “Laws” or School Rules, is reinforced throughout the day as staff implement our Behaviour Policy. Meanwhile school assemblies and class lessons contribute to pupil understanding. Our policy promotes positive behaviour and sanctions are consistently applied by staff across school when the laws of our school community are broken. Restorative Practice plays an important role. Teaching staff work with pupils to help them fully appreciate the impact of their inappropriate actions, and then to move on positively.
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 empowering education. Pupils are given the freedom to make choices e.g. participating in after-school clubs, choosing the level of challenge in some lessons, organising the recording of their work, planning assemblies and presentations. Pupils are supported to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence. They are encouraged to take responsibility for their behaviour as well as knowing their rights.
Mutual Respect – Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Children learn that behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. At Bramley Park we challenge stereotypes and do not tolerate bullying. All members of the school community treat each other with respect and this in one of our 3 Golden Rules on which the behaviour policy is built.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs – Bramley Park is becoming an increasingly diverse school. We actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures. Religious Education lessons and PSHE lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others. 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.
At Bramley Park we will actively challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist views’.