Teaching with Pride, Learning with Confidence

British Values

This page is currently being updated. 

The Department for Education states that there is a 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 Department for Education defines British Values as follows:

  • Respect for democracy and support or participation in the democratic process                        
  • Respect for the basis on which the law is made and applies in England
  • Support for equality of opportunity for all
  • Support and respect for the liberties of all within the law
  • Respect for and tolerance of different faiths and religious and other beliefs.

Democracy

Democracy is an important value at our school. Pupils are always listened to be adults and are taught to listen carefully and with concern to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices hears. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council. The elections of members of the School Council are based on pupil vote. All children are encouraged to debate topics of interest, express their views and make a meaningful contribution to the running of the school on matters that directly involve pupils. Pupils also have the opportunity to have their voices heard through pupil questionnaires and pupil conferences. The principle of democracy is explored in the History and RE curriculum as well as in assemblies.

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced. We have a clearly structured behaviour policy which all staff and pupils understand and follow. Each class also discusses and sets its own rules that are clearly understood by all and seen to be necessary to ensure that every class member is able to learn in a safe and ordered environment. Pupils are helped to distinguish right from wrong. The school has zero-tolerance for any form of aggression, abuse or violence, which extends to pupils, staff and parents/carers. We are committed to praising children’s efforts. Children are rewarded not only for achievement in curriculum areas, but also for behaviour. Rewards are given in the form of dojos, house points and certificates. Children’s achievements are also recognised during Celebration Assemblies.

Individual Liberty

Pupils have key roles and responsibilities in school such as Year 6 monitors and Head pupils who are chosen to perform specific roles and responsibilities including including delivering a speech at meetings for new parents. Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing they are in a safe and supported environment. Also, through our extracurricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, e.g. through e-safety teaching and PSHE lessons.  Vulnerable pupils are protected and stereotypes challenged. A strong anti-bullying culture is embedded in the school. Pupils have key roles and responsibilities in school e.g. Young sports leaders, Library Monitors, Reading ambassadors & classroom monitors. 

 

Mutual Respect

Mutual respect is important at Kempshott Junior School. Children 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. The school strongly promotes respect for individual differences. Pupils are helped to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life. Staff and pupils are encouraged to challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour. Through the PSHE and RE curriculums pupils are encouraged to discuss and respect differences between people, such as differences of faith, ethnicity, disability, gender or sexuality and differences of family situations, such as looked after children or young carers. 

 

Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

At Kempshott Junior School we actively promote diversity throughout celebrations of different faiths and cultures. Our R.E curriculum provides a broad and balanced education on a range of faiths, religions and cultures, including educational visits to multicultural places of worship. Members of different faiths and religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudiced-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE. We follow the Hampshire Agreed syllabus for RE and use the SCARF materials to enhance PSHE teaching. We offer a culturally rich and diverse curriculum in which all major religions are studied and respected and global dimension work embedded in many of our Curriculum Topics.