Promoting British Values at Kinoulton Primary School

At Kinoulton, we 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. We do this through our relationships with the children, our relationships with each other, our RE curriculum, our PSHE curriculum and assemblies. The exploration of the values may also come through the choice of resources within other subject areas and interaction with current affairs through discussion.

RE and PSHE lessons aim to help the children understand the way different people or groups of people can see the world differently and give them the opportunity to develop their own views, whilst still maintaining respect for the views of others. This enables our children to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence.

Our children are involved in fundraising for external charities as well as for the school and this highlights to them that they can contribute positively to the lives of those living and working in the locality of the school and to society more widely.

We have school House Captains who are elected democratically and we encourage all of the children to play a role in the everyday running of the school. Where possible, our children take on responsibilities and have a say through ‘pupil voice’.

Our school values: Creativity, Curiosity, Collaboration demonstrate the importance we place on such values and that we embed them in all that we do.

Most of the descriptors for British values have always been part of Kinoulton Primary School’s value system.

They include:

Rule of Law

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school or the country are consistently reinforced through regular school days 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.

Examples of some of the vehicles through which this is done include:

  • School Behaviour Policy and Team Rules – set of school rules that help govern how we all behave in school
  • Pupils have regular opportunities to reflect on their learning and behaviour during assemblies and class PSHE sessions
  • Home-School Agreement (KS2)
  • DAaRT programme for Yr6
  • Cycling proficiency courses for KS2

Tolerance

We try hard to make sure we have a culturally diverse curriculum. This includes:

  • Weekly MFL teaching (including insights into culture) and world language day/activities – for example, the register being taken in other languages
  • Stories from world faiths and cultures – this forms part of our RE curriculum and our Whole School Reading Spine
  • RE – KPS follows the locally agreed syllabus including the study of all major faiths
  • Visits to a range of places of worship and relevant visitors
  • Equalities Policy and Accessibility Plan

Responsibility and Liberty

Pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate pupils about and provide boundaries for our pupils to make choices safely. Pupils are encouraged to know and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely. For example, through our e-safety and PSHE lessons or in choosing which clubs they would like to attend. Other relevant activities include:

  • Understanding responsibility in school in terms of behaviour and learning attitudes
  • Pupils’ roles in school – pupils are given positions of responsibility (monitors, playground play leaders, House Captains etc)
  • Local and national fundraising (World Wildlife Fund, NSPCC, RNLI, Red Nose, Children in Need, Royal British Legion)
  • First Aid training for KS2 pupils
  • Tending the school garden/crops
  • Relevant curriculum topics/activities such as ‘butterflies living kits’ and ‘living eggs’
  • Harvest Festival – proceeds donated to Emmanuel House
  • Residential visits in KS2
  • Outdoor learning – Forest Schools
  • Safer internet work – induction activities at the start of the academic year & dedicated E-Safety Days
  • Remembrance Day observed and associated work completed in class

Democracy

Pupils at KPS have many opportunities for their voices to be heard including:

  • House Captain democratic vote
  • An active RLA Pupil Parliament with representatives visiting County Hall once a term to discuss issues of county concern Both of these initiatives helps demonstrate how citizens can influence decision making through the democratic process
  • Assemblies/school activities to promote an understanding of how democracy works in Britain – particularly at times near to General Elections
  • Pupils/class voting for KS2 parts in the summer school production
  • Annual pupil interviews and surveys
  • Pupils selecting/voting for class treat
  • Pupils have a say in what clubs are available to them

Mutual Respect

Mutual respect lies at the heart of our values. Pupils learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect:

  • PSHE taught across all year groups as part of our PSHE curriculum (Jigsaw)
  • We challenge stereotypes through assemblies and the PSHE curriculum
  • We explore protected characteristics to promote respect for individual differences
  • We use UNICEF articles as part of our PSHE curriculum to support our understanding of mutual respect
  • Positive teacher-pupil and teacher-teacher relationships are encouraged and modelled
  • We have an inclusive ethos
  • Our RE curriculum ensures that our children have a good understanding of a range of religious beliefs and customs
  • Anti-bullying week
  • Sex Ed programmes of study
  • School Council and RLA Pupil Parliament
  • Assessment for Learning – pupils understand why and how they are shown to improve
  • Peer assessment
  • Buddy reading activities promoted at certain times of the year
  • Partnership sports links with local schools (South Wolds Academy and South Notts Academy)
  • Wealth of extra-curricular clubs run by staff and some by pupils (for example, Lunchtime Playleaders & Belleplates)
  • Access to global sports – for example, Kabadi
  • Singing assemblies