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 these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways.
Democracy
Democracy is an important value at our school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council. We feel the School Council is genuinely able to effect change within the school. Every child on the School Council is voted in by their class after they have explained how they would be able to represent the views of the class. As part of their work, the members of the School Council launch the 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.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws, 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.
To encourage and promote good behaviour, attitude and work, we reward pupils efforts and achievements through certificates, stickers and texts home to parents.
We are committed to praising children’s learning. We endeavour to praise the children informally, individually, during group work, in front of the whole class and the whole school. Rewards are given in the form of stickers, house points, texts home and certificates. Children’s achievements are also recognised during Celebration Assemblies. Visits from authorities such as the police, fire service etc. are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message.
Individual Liberty
Pupils are encouraged to be independent learners, constantly making choices, within a safe and supportive environment. Developing their self-esteem and self-confidence is very important and we develop this, through, for example, our marking and feedback which promotes their independence. Pupils are encouraged to understand their personal freedoms and are taught how to use these rights to best effect. All pupils are keen to support charities, whether local, national or global. They are taught consideration for others through our Religious Education curriculum and PSHE lessons in particular. E-safety teaching enables them to make choices in a safe manner.
Mutual Respect
Our school’s ethos and behaviour policy are based on the ideals behind restorative justice and pupils taking responsibility for their actions to develop an understanding how their actions impact on other. Assemblies constantly promote respect for others and the importance of good manners and link back to our school vision and the ‘Moor Park Values’ which the pupils were involved with writing. (see School Brochure) 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 at the heart of our values.
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 in our local community which is by large White British. Collective Worship and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying are followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE. 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.
Through our Creative Curriculum we teach about democracy, civic responsibility, rules and laws, the monarchy, equality, values and virtues, environmental awareness and understanding of other faiths.
