British Values

Our school reflects British values in all that we do. We aim to nurture our children on their journey through life so they can grow into safe, caring, democratic, responsible and tolerant adults who make a positive difference to British society and to the world. We encourage our children to be creative, unique, open-minded and independent individuals, respectful of themselves and of others in our school, our local community and the wider world.

At WCPS, we believe that British values is an essential part of a child’s time at school providing them with the knowledge to develop their individual liberty and know their rights as a member of the community both in a school context and the wider community, therefore it is essential that we provide all children with experiences to develop their democracy and individual liberty to help them in later life.

Pupils learn about British Values in a wide variety of ways. They are woven through our PSHE curriculum and periodically through the year, assemblies and class daily reflections focus upon British Values. Every classroom displays the British Values ‘hand’ and there are British values displays in corridors. These provide a frequent visual reminder that WCPS is a school that very much endorses fundamental British Values.

British Values at Key Stage 1

Children are introduced to British values in lots of ways like using democracy in choosing. For example, encouraging the children to vote for which book they would want to read and voting for what games to play. Children are also introduced to individual liberty throughout PSHE to develop and understanding of their rights. Children are constantly developing their mutual respect through interactions with adults and children. Children are introduced to the school values and attitudes from the start of school, so they develop an awareness of right and wrong allowing children to later learn about the rule of law.

British Values at Key Stage 2

Children continue to develop their understanding of British values in Key Stage 2. They continue learning in many of the same ways however they move onto learning more about tolerance of other faiths and begin to look deeper into the different faiths. Children grow a deeper understanding of the rule of law and continue to engage with our school values and attitudes. At WCPS we are involved within the community allowing children to show mutual respect within the wider community.

Democracy

Democracy is an important value at WCPS. Children are given opportunities to make choices about their school life and can take part in democratic practices like voting for pupil voice reps. Pupils are listened to by adults and are taught to respect the rights of every individual, both adult and child. 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. Children also have the opportunity to have their voices heard through pupil questionnaires and pupil surveys. The principle of democracy is explored in the curriculum. Pupils have had active involvement in the selection processes of new teaching staff. All adults listen to the views of our pupils and value their opinions. Pupil voice reps meet with the Pupil Leadership Team acting as a conduit between this team and their class. At the beginning of each school year, pupils work together to agree their class rules which are based around our school values and attitudes.

The Rule of Law

The importance of rules and laws are enforced on a daily basis whether that is whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country. Children are taught to respect their class expectations and the school values. Children are led to distinguish between right and wrong and are helped to manage behaviour. Children are involved in both praises and consequences. School expectations are clear, fair and regularly promoted. Pupils are encouraged to respect the law and enjoys visits from authorities such as the Police, Fire Service, Ambulance, etc. to help reinforce this message. The Behaviour and Anti-Bullying policies set out our attitudes to bullying or discriminatory behaviour. We promote justice through the use of restorative Practices and Restorative Justice. During this process, the children reflect on their behaviour and what they might do differently next time. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws – that they govern and protect us, the responsibility that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken.

Individual Liberty

At WCPS all pupils are encouraged to become independent learners. Children are supported to make choices in a safe and supportive environment, whilst understanding their rights. Children are taught to respect others individual liberty and understand that others have the same rights as them. We encourage a non-bullying environment where children feel safe to express their individual liberty. Pupils are supported to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence. Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their behaviour. Unacceptable behaviours are challenged so that all pupils, but particularly those who are vulnerable, are protected. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through PSHE lessons. Many pupils have key roles and a range of responsibilities in school.

Mutual Respect

At WCPS respect is an essential part of school. This is embedded and modelled by adults in school showing mutual respect to both child and adult the pupils understand that it is expected that respect it shown to everyone, no matter on differences big or small. Children have chances to work in the wider community and continue to develop their mutual respect in the community as well as in school. 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 curriculum, the PSHE and RE curriculums for example, pupils are encouraged to discuss and respect differences between people, such as differences of faith, ethnicity, disability and gender. Discussions involving prejudices and prejudiced-based bullying take place during RE, PSHE and other curriculum lessons. 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. These curriculum topics offer children the chance to reflect on our core values and British values. Through our Behaviour Policy, we celebrate pupils that show respect to those around them.

Tolerance

At WCPS we go further than tolerating differences. We accept and celebrate them. The importance of respect means that children are tolerant of those with different faiths and beliefs. Children are able to learn about different faiths and beliefs in their religious education, they are able to learn about the importance of tolerance of those with different faiths throughout history whilst learning about important key figures that fought for their voice to be heard. As a community, pupils are reminded of their place in a culturally diverse society. This is achieved through our Religious Education curriculum, PSHE and other areas of the curriculum. During RE lessons, pupils learn about other faiths and members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school