British Values
The Department for Education (DfE) reinforces 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 Moor Park our Moor Park Way characteristics are reflected through these core values. As a school, we take part in activities throughout the year which aim to develop our knowledge and understanding of these values, helping us to become better citizens.
Democracy
Link to Moor Park Characteristics: Responsibility, Tolerance, Integrity, Honesty, Trust
At Moor Park pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council. Every child on the School Council is elected by the pupils in their class. This is used as an opportunity to promote and teach respect about democracy and the electoral process. As part of their work, the members of the School Council launch events they have organised to the wider school community through assemblies. Children have an annual questionnaire where they are able to put forward their views about the school.
Democracy is also promoted through additional PSHE and SMSC lessons, circle times and assemblies.
The Rule of Law
Links to Moor Park Characteristics: Honesty, Responsibility, Co-operation, Teamwork, Communication
The importance of law, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country is reinforced regularly and consistently throughout the school day, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. We teach pupils to appreciate that living under the rule of law in Britain protects individual citizens and is essential for their wellbeing and safety.
At Moor Park we have high expectations about pupil conduct and this is reflected in our Behaviour Policy, Moor Park Way Characteristics and our Moor Park Way badge. There are rules for exhibiting responsible actions and respectful behaviour, demonstration of our values is recognised through such things as Golden book (characteristics of the week), Writer of the week, Head of School award, Attendance award, House Team Trophies / Awards.
Through our school assemblies, and events such as Sports Day, children are taught how to earn trust and respect and are supported to develop a strong sense of morality; knowing right from wrong and doing the right thing and making good choices even when it's difficult.
Visits from authorities such as the police, fire service etc. are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message.
Individual Liberty
Links to Moor Park Characteristics: Honesty, Courage, Teamwork, Perseverance, Determination, Curiosity
Pupils are encouraged to be independent learners, constantly making choices, within a safe and supportive environment. Through our Moor Park characteristics, assemblies, the PSHE curriculum, RSE programmes and special events, such as Black History Week, children are taught about personal responsibility, choices, ambition and aspiration. They are encouraged to take opportunities and to follow their interests.
Children are taught how to keep themselves safe, including online. This is done through computing lessons, internet safety sessions as well as through the PSHE and RSE curriculum.
Mutual Respect
Links to Moor Park Characteristics: Appreciation, Teamwork, Honesty, Understanding, Tolerance, Courage, Perseverance, Determination, Loyalty, Acceptance
Children are taught about taking responsibility for their actions to develop an understanding how their actions impact on other.
Our Moor Park Way assemblies constantly promote respect for others and the importance of good manners. All pupils are taught the importance of self-respect, honest and open communication with others and fair play. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. Pupils work collaboratively and value others’ opinions.
Mutual respect is also promoted through additional PSHE lessons and special days.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Links to Moor Park Characteristics: Appreciation, Teamwork, Honesty, Understanding, Tolerance, Courage, Perseverance, Determination, Loyalty, Acceptance
This is achieved through enhancing pupils’ understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity in our local community.
Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs is promoted through the Locally Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education. Children learn about different religions, their beliefs, places of worship and festivals. This is supplemented by celebrations of significant religious festivals as well as visits made by local religious groups and people such as the local vicar, and they also have the opportunity to visit places of worship.
Our Religious Education curriculum provides pupils with a deep understanding of their own faith as well as awareness of the faith and traditions of other religious communities as a basis for understanding and respecting them. We use opportunities such as the General Election, Olympics and World Cup to study and learn about life and culture in countries other countries.
We teach children that the freedom to choose and hold other faiths and beliefs is protected in law.