British Values

Promoting Fundamental British Values at Orchard Primary School

In accordance with guidance from the Department for Education we aim to actively promote and embed British Values to ensure our pupils leave school prepared for life in modern Britain.

We actively promote British Values through planning and delivering a broad and balanced curriculum, ensuring suitable opportunities for our pupils to explore these values.

The Key Values are defined as:

• Mutual respect

• Rule of law

• Democracy

• Individual liberty

• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

   

MUTUAL RESPECT
Both our school ethos and our behaviour policy are based around the core values of mutual respect and a sense of responsibility for others. These core values permeate all aspects of school life at Orchard Primary School and determine the way in which we support and care for each other, the community and the environment. All pupils learn together with respect for each other. We value and celebrate our peers, as evidenced on our website.

THE RULE OF LAW
Our pupils will encounter rules and laws throughout their entire lives. We want our pupils to understand that whether these laws govern the class, the school, the community or the country, they are set for good reasons and must be adhered to. We encourage our children to accept responsibility for their behaviour and importantly show initiative. We recognise the importance of involving our pupils in creating codes of conduct as this enables them to understand the reasons behind rules and the consequences if rules are broken. This is consistently reinforced through assemblies and our curriculum, developing pupils’ understanding of how they can contribute positively to the lives of those living and working in wider society. Throughout the year we welcome visits from members of the wider community and believe that clear explanations and real life stories emphasise the importance of the rule of law for our pupils.

To encourage and promote good behaviour, attitude and work, we are committed to praising children’s efforts and have a whole school reward system. Children are rewarded not only for achievement in curriculum areas but for positive behaviour such as teamwork, perseverance, showing initiative and kindness. These achievements are recognised and celebrated during weekly assemblies.

DEMOCRACY
Democracy is an integrated aspect of school life at Orchard Primary School. Our pupils are encouraged to air their views, debate issues and have a clear voice. Pupils have their voices heard through a variety of opportunities and our elected School Councils play a strong role in our school. Members are elected by their class peers and are involved in making Orchard Primary a better place to learn. This includes voting to support given charities each year as well as making decisions about organising fund raising events. In class, children are given regular opportunities to debate ideas and in our ‘Current Affairs’ weekly assembly, children reflect their thoughts about world events and news.

INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY
Pupils are actively encouraged to make choices at Orchard Primary School, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. Justice and fairness are fundamental principles and all pupils are encouraged to understand responsibility in school in terms of behaviour and attitude to learning. Our pupils are encouraged to know and understand their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our e-Safety teaching. In lessons, learning tasks are challenging and require cooperation and scholastic endeavour. We encourage children to compete in the belief they have every chance of success. Our children recognise that they may have to take appropriate risk and that there may be the need to celebrate and be proud of a more successful peer on some occasions. Pupils at Orchard Primary are encouraged to be sensitive to the needs of others and supportive of their peers within the school community.

TOLERANCE OF THOSE OF DIFFERENT FAITHS AND BELIEFS
This core value is achieved through enhancing our pupils’ understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society. We offer a culturally rich and diverse curriculum in which major religions are studied and respected. We believe that tolerance is gained through knowledge and understanding and pupils are encouraged to regard people of all faiths, races and cultures with respect and tolerance.