British Values
Fundamental British Values
As a Church of England school, Dersingham VA Primary and Nursery school is underpinned by Christian values, and is committed to the values outlined in the Declaration of Universal Human Rights. These values encompass the five areas which have recently been identified as fundamental British values:
The Rule of Law
Our school is an orderly community which is regulated by consent. Children help to create school and class rules developing a strong sense of fairness, justice and commitment to the common good. Expectations are clear, and there are effective procedures for tackling behaviour and attitudes which are contrary to the school’s moral code. Children are helped to distinguish between right and wrong, and to understand the importance of honesty, compassion, forgiveness and reparation.
We have a clear plan for E-safety learning and how to behave in a digital world, we have anti-bullying education throughout the year and we conduct parental questionnaires. We run Bike-ability sessions and have good links with local police and fire brigade.
Democracy
Children are offered choices and have many opportunities to make decisions from the earliest age. Throughout our school, their views are actively sought both in formal ways, for example through surveys, and more informally through a continual dialogue about their learning. School Council sessions and reflection times in class provide a forum for democratic discussion and responsible group action. Through example and through their curriculum studies, children learn that good governance is about service, not the exercise of power. They also develop a sense of pride in who they are, and how they can contribute to the common good of the nation.
We elect new members of the school councils each year and carry out pupil questionnaires.
Mutual Respect and Tolerance
As our school is largely monocultural, particular care is taken to ensure that children learn about the multicultural and multi-ethnic make-up of modern Britain. Opportunities are sought to celebrate diversity, for example through literature, through images in our school environment, or through visits and visitors. Children learn about other religions, cultures and lifestyles in a spirit of enquiry, and gain a sense of understanding of viewpoints and perspectives which are different from their own. Mutual respect and tolerance are recurring themes in assemblies.
We have good competitive sports links, community singing, we visit the local care home and hold fund raising events such as Children in Need, Cancer Research, Comic Relief. We have daily collective worship, visitors into collective worship, we have weekly PSHE lessons using the Jigsaw curriculum and are lucky to welcome parent helpers and reading ladies into school on a regular basis.
Individual Liberty
Each child is cherished as an individual, with equality before God. There is strong support for children in developing their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence. Drama, role-play and discussions are used to encourage children to articulate and develop their own framework of opinions, beliefs and understandings. Originality and creativity are encouraged, both in class and through a variety of school and out-of-school events. There are effective procedures for ensuring inclusiveness and combating bullying.
Our children are responsible for their own belongings, they take pride in their school uniform, they complete homework and participate in school clubs. The children go for walks around the local area, they enjoy educational trips and school performances.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
As a community our pupils are made aware of their place in a culturally diverse society throughout our Religious Education curriculum and the spiritual life of the school. Assemblies and class work promote the diversity of society and the right for each person to be respected and valued equally regardless of ability, gender heritage, race for faith. The curriculum enables the children to study other countries which allows them to compare and contrast cultures whilst respecting other faiths and beliefs.
We read multicultural stories, hold whole school themed days. We support charities and have good links with our local church. We have a daily collective worship.
Our school reflects British values in all that we do. We aim to nurture our children on their journey through life so they can grow into safe, caring, democratic, responsible and tolerant adults who make a positive difference to British society and to the world. We encourage our children to be creative, unique, open-minded and independent individuals, respectful of themselves and of others in our school, our local community and the wider world.
