Promoting British Values
Promoting Fundamental British Values at Plympton St. Maurice School
The following statements indicate the ways in which the fundamental British values are promoted.
Democracy:
Democracy is richly embedded within the school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Parliament. Representatives are elected from across the school in a democratic election at the start of each academic year. Decisions made by the parliament are shared and reported back. Class representatives consider the views of those who elected them when making decisions. Representatives can be approached to put forward matters to the council throughout the year.
The Rule of Law:
The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently and regularly reinforced. Each class has rules which are displayed in the classroom. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules (that they govern and protect the school community), and the responsibilities on the individual that this involves. Regular, informal, visits from our local PCSO link to upholding the rules of law outside of school.
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 all pupils to make choices safely. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through E-Safety. Pupils are further empowered through being part of a school parliament. Pupils are given the freedom to make a wide range of choices from attending extra-curricular clubs to supporting fund raising events.
Successful, confident, responsible citizens:
A key part of our school ethos is our vision that “we will be successful, confident, responsible citizens.” Pupils understand the importance of learning and being responsible for their own learning in order to be successful. Pupils are encouraged to be confident and responsible for their own actions and towards others. Adults throughout the school model successful, confident and responsible individuals and demonstrate and promote this with older pupils who have suitable, age-related, tasks and responsibilities across the school.
Tolerance 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. Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE. Members of different faiths or religions are invited to speak in school assemblies. Through our RE curriculum, which teaches the main faiths and focuses upon learning about religion and learning from religion, we promote tolerance of the beliefs of others.
