British Values

Promoting Fundamental British Values.

In accordance with The Department for Education we aim to actively promote British values in schools to ensure young people leave school prepared for life in modern Britain. 

Pupils are encouraged to regard people of all faiths, races and cultures with respect and tolerance and understand that while different people may hold different views about what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, all people living in England are subject to its law.

The Key Values are:

•    democracy
•    rule of law
•    individual liberty
•    mutual respect
•    tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs 

The content of our curriculum and ways of working in our schools prepare our pupils positively for life in modern Britain and promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith: 

Democracy

Each year the children decide upon their class rules and the rights associated with these. All the children contribute to the drawing up of the rules. We have student councils which meet regularly to discuss issues raised from classes. Pupils are genuinely able to effect change within the school. Children have an annual questionnaire where they are able to put forward their views about the school. Year 6 visit the Houses of Parliament as part of their planned residential trip to London and we have good links with our local MP.

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced the Federation of North Walsham Infant and Junior Schools. Pupils are taught from an early age the rules of the school. Our school rules of being 'ready, respectful and safe' permeate all areas of school life and are constantly referenced; for example, on the playground, in classrooms and online. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and 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.

Individual Liberty

At the Federation of North Walsham Infant and Junior Schools, 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 PSHE/RSE curriculum.

Mutual Respect

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. We teach children through our curriculum that every member of our school community has the right to be happy, healthy and safe and that everyone in our community has the responsibility to ensure that happens. All members of the school community treat each other with respect. We believe that respect for the environment is also of paramount importance and this is promoted through learning about the UN Sustainable Development Goals (part of our planned curriculum). 

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

Whilst we are a large school, we are also a rural one; we therefore feel that it is critical to actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures. Religious Education lessons and PSHE/RSE 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 Federation of North Walsham Infant and Junior Schools is committed to serving the local community and building qualities such as resilience and tolerance in our pupils. What we do recognises the multi-cultural, multi faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom, so we understand the vital role we have in ensuring that groups or individuals within our schools are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.