Promoting British Values at Sun Academy Bradwell
The DfE have recently reinforced 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.”
The Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy. At Sun Academy Bradwell these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy
The School Council representatives discuss ideas/ issues with their individual classes; then meet at least once a half term to discuss the outcomes from each class discussion. These are usually forwarded to the Principal or the Assistant Principal. As a result of school council meetings, equipment has been purchased; e.g. playground equipment. More recently the children have helped to make changes to the whole school behaviour strategy and agreed on rewards and sanctions as part of the policy. In addition to this, children complete 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 are those that govern the class, the school, or the country, is consistently reinforced at Sun Academy Bradwell. Pupils are taught from an early age the rules of the school and their individual classes. 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 Sun Academy Bradwell, 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 given the freedom to make choices, for example, whether it is through choice of challenge, or simply by choosing to participate in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities.
Mutual Respect
Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy has revolved around Core Values such as ‘Respect’, and pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown. The school ethos and aims promote respect for others and this is reiterated through our school and classroom rules, as well as our behaviour policy. Bullying has been an area whereby the school has placed a strong focus and provided children with a variety of assemblies and workshops to help them to reflect upon and understand the impact of bullying others. Anti-Bullying is taught and embedded as part of the school’s PSHE scheme of work which is delivered throughout the whole school. Anti-Bullying week was also undertaken during the Autumn Term.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Sun Academy Bradwell is a diverse school. 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. Each class has a weekly timetabled opportunity to explore areas of interest and current affairs; this is carried out through whole school assembly. Key Stage 2 undertake weekly classroom discussions about present day issues in the news.
