British Values

At Fairway Primary School we appreciate that the society within which we live is diverse and, therefore, we aim for our curriculum and life within school to reflect this. Throughout day to day school life, we try to make links to the social, cultural, moral and spiritual values as they arise and in so doing we hope to enable our children to develop a greater tolerance and understanding of the World. We also aim to create opportunities to broaden children’s understanding of the British values:

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

At the beginning of each year children discuss class rules that will enable everyone to learn effectively.

Our School Parliament helps to teach pupils how they can influence decision-making through the democratic process. Classes ‘vote in’ two school parliament representatives giving each class a way to voice their opinions on the decisions that are made at our school. Candidates make a speech to the class and voting is by secret ballot. Children are encouraged to respect democracy and the democratic process. The parliament meets regularly to discuss any issues raised in class meetings. Children are able to put forward their views about the school and the parliament is genuinely able to effect change within our school.

Children are encouraged to express their own views.

Children are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws and to develop an understanding that they exist to govern and protect us. We also aim to show children their responsibilities and the consequences when laws are broken. Children are taught the rules from an early age in the Foundation Stage. The children are aware of the consequences of not following the rules in their school community. The children learn to understand the difference between right and wrong in all aspects of school life throughout the day. There is an opportunity for children to put right what has been done wrong, wherever possible. Children in our school expect and receive a fair system where actions are always respectfully justified. The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at Fairway Primary School.  Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help reinforce this message.

At Fairway Primary School our children 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  children to make informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education. Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely. Our children are encouraged to give their opinions and share these ideas with due regard for the feelings of others. As part of our PSHCE curriculum we place a huge emphasis on the social and emotional learning of our children and feel we send them off to high school as well rounded individuals. We celebrate achievements both in and out of school in assemblies, through certificates, dojo points and attendance awards.

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. All members of the school community are strongly encouraged to treat each other with respect.

We actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures. Religious Education lessons and PSHE 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. Throughout school life the children are encouraged to discuss differences between people such as their faith, ethnicity, disability, gender or sexuality. They also discuss differences in family life such as looked after children or young carers.

We celebrate the role of Britain both historically and in the present. We want our children to have knowledge of and be proud of their British heritage and the cultural and historical traditions that we are renowned for the world over. This involves celebrating Royal events, Remembrance Day, festivals such as Christmas and Easter, alongside those from other cultures such as Eid, Diwali and Chinese New Year.

We try hard to build a culture that will stand the test of time, where our children can become good, effective citizens. We teach our children to respect everyone regardless of any differences and aim to ensure that this is firmly embedded into the ethos of our school.