Promoting British values at Graham James Primary Academy and Nursery

– The DfE have recently 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 have been reiterated more recently. At Graham James these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy

– At Graham James all children are part of a ‘buddy’ system which meets on a regular basis, giving every student a voice on key issues/ topics. All ideas and suggestions are recorded by the lead ‘buddy’ (yr6 student) and members of the leadership team take time to read student views. Having a student voice system is genuinely able to effect change within the school (e.g. school dinners/ playground toys).

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, when dealing with student behaviour and through school assemblies.

– Pupils are taught from an early age (nursery/ reception) the rules of the school. These are class rules, playground rules and safety rules. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws, that govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws/ rules are broken.

– During their time at Graham James, the children have the opportunity to interact in a positive way with the local emergency services through their school visits.

Individual liberty

– At Graham James, 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 informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our eSafety and PSHE lessons.

– Whether it be through choice of learning challenge, independent research topics, participation in our extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.

Mutual respect

– Mutual respect is at the heart of our school. 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 and the schools motto underpins this – ‘Caring to learn, learning to care’.

– Graham James serves a growing multi-faith community where each person is respected and valued equally without regard to ability, gender, faith, heritage or race. We are a school whereby children and adults respect and help each other.

Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

– Graham James is a school that is growing in diversity. We actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures. Religious Education is taught from reception all the way through to year 6 covering religions such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism. Our Religious Education lessons combined with PSHE lessons reinforce the 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.