British Values
The DfE have 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.”
To enable our children to fully understand what fundamental British values are, we have created Values Characters which are visible in every classroom and in and around school. The children can very quickly identify the value and what this means to us
Mutual Respect and Tolerance of Those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. 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. Bhylls Acre provide opportunities for the children to visit places of significant cultural interest, places of worship and we actively encourage visitors from a range of communities and organisations into school.
Individual Liberty
At Bhylls Acre, 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 encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our e-Safety and PSHE work. Bhylls Acre has a robust anti-bullying culture and behaviour and safety policies in place.
Democracy
We have a school council from Y2 – Y6 which meets regularly to discuss issues raised in class council meetings. The council has its own budget and is able to effect change within the school. Every child on the school council is voted in by their class. Through our curriculum children are taught about, and encouraged to respect, public institutions and services. We also have a worship council from Y1 – Y6 which meets every fortnight to help plan future worship themes with Mrs Woodall.
Rule of Law
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at Bhylls Acre. Pupils are taught from an early age the rules of the school. 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.