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British Values @ Montem
Personal Development

British Values @ Montem

Promoting British Values

In 2011, the government defined British Values as democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.  We promote these values through our own school values, curriculum and enrichment activities.
 

Value How We Promote It
Democracy
Links to school values:
  • Respect
  • Tolerance
  • Understanding
UN CRC Article 12:  Children have the right to say what they think should happen, when adults are making decisions that affect them, and to have their opinions taken into account.
  • We have an elected School Council, House Captains and Prefects.  This is used as an opportunity to promote and teach about democracy and the electoral process.
  • We encourage volunteerism in and out of school.  This includes things like the Comenius Council, Library monitors, office helpers, and also raising money for local and national charities. 
  • The beginnings of democracy are taught through historical research of the Ancient Greece civilisation.
  • Democracy is also promoted through additional PSHE lessons and assemblies.
The Rule of Law
 Links to school values:
  • Respect
  • Co-operation
  • Courage
UN CRC Article 19:  Governments should ensure that children are properly cared for, and protect them from violence, abuse and neglect by their parents, or anyone else who looks after them.
  • We have high expectations about pupil conduct and this is reflected in our Behaviour Policy.  There are rewards for exhibiting good and caring behaviour and consistent demonstration of our values is recognised through such things as ‘Star of the Week’ and ‘Montem Champion’ awards.
  • We have to Follow a set of Golden Rules and discuss these in assemblies.
  • Through our school assemblies, circle time and PSHE 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 even when it’s difficult.
  • The local police officers visit the school to talk to the children and explain about their role in society.
Individual Liberty
Links to school values:
Respect
Courage

UN CRC Article 31:  All children have a right to relax and play, and to join in a wide range of activities.

UN CRC Article 15:  Children have the right to meet together and to join groups and organisations, as long as this does not stop other people from enjoying their  rights.
  • Through our school values and the PSHE curriculum. children are taught about personal responsibility, choices, ambition and aspiration through our ‘Raising Aspiration’ and ‘Mosaic’ Programmes.  They are encouraged to take opportunities to follow their interests in art, music, sport etc.
  • SEAL has specific units relating to individual liberty including ‘Good To Be Me!’
  • Children are taught how to keep themselves safe, including on-line.  This is done through computing lessons, assemblies and outside organisations such as the NSPCC, as well as through the PSHE curriculum.
Mutual Respect
Links to school values:
  • Respect
  • Friendship
  • Co-operation
UN CRC Article 2:  The Convention applies to everyone whatever their race, religion, abilities, whatever they think or say and whatever type of family they come from.

UN CRC Article 30:  Children have a right to learn and use the language and customs of their families, whether these are shared by the majority of people in the country or not.
  • We have high expectations about pupil conduct and this is reflected in our Behaviour Policy and Single Equality Policy.
  • Through our school’s values, PSHE and circle time children are taught to respect each other, to be cooperative and collaborative, be supportive and to look for similarities while being understanding of differences.
  • Mutual respect is also promoted through assemblies.  A range of specific assemblies were delivered focusing on helping other pupils to understand specific special needs.
Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Links to school values:
  • Respect
  • Tolerance/Understanding
UN CRC Article 14:  Children have the right to think and believe what they want, and to practice their religion, as long as they are not stopping other people from enjoying their rights. Parents should guide their children on these matters.
  • We have high expectations about pupil conduct and this is reflected in our Behaviour Policy and Equality Policy. 
  • Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs is promoted through the Syllabus for Religious Education.  Children learn about different religions, their beliefs, places of worship and festivals.  The children’s work on this subject or whole school learning in assemblies is often displayed in the classrooms or around the school.
  • The school incorporates Theme Days into the curriculum, which include Multicultural Day
  • This is supplemented by assemblies (Key Stage and whole school), which also mark and celebrate significant religious festivals such as Ramadan and Diwali.
  • Visits are made by local religious leaders and children have the opportunity to visit places of worship.