British Values

At Hollinwood Academy we value the diversity of backgrounds of all our pupils, families and the wider school community.

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:

• 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

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 Hollinwood Academy we actively promote British values in the following ways:

Democracy

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. The children are involved in voting and making whole school decisions using the School Council which includes pupils from Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 4. Pupils in Key Stage 1 and Reception have a buddy from Key Stage 2 to help these pupils contribute.

The principle of democracy is explored in the curriculum, as well as during assemblies and Super Learning Days. Members of the School Council are actively involved in deciding and choosing things for the school to improve the environment.

Rule of Law

From Reception onwards all our children follow the school rules which are integral to our learning and ethos every day. School rules and expectations are clear, fair and regularly promoted. All the school rules and expectations are fully supported with symbols and visual aids to ensure they are accessible to all our children. Pupils are always helped to distinguish right from wrong, in the classroom, during assemblies and on the playground. Pupils are encouraged to respect the law and the school enjoys visits from authorities such as the Police, Fire Service and Ambulance Service to help reinforce this message. The Pastoral Support Team at Hollinwood have established a link with the local PSCO team who come in and support the pupils.

Individual Liberty

Within school, pupils are actively encouraged and given the freedom to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. They are encouraged to sign up for extra-curricular clubs and choose activities for after school clubs and holiday clubs. Pupils are supported to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence. They are encouraged to take responsibility for their behaviour and our Pastoral Support Team reinforces the importance of making the right choices.

Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our e-safety teaching and PSHE lessons. Vulnerable pupils are protected and stereotypes are challenged. A strong anti-bullying culture is embedded in the school and any form of bullying is challenged and addressed. The school also operates a robust system of logging incidents.

Mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

Respect is one of the core values of our school. The pupils know and understand that it is expected that respect is shown to everyone, adults and children alike. 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 curriculum, pupils are encouraged to discuss and respect differences between people, such as differences of faith, ethnicity, disability, gender or sexuality and differences in family situations. Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudiced-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE.

We offer a culturally rich and diverse curriculum in which all major religions are studied and respected. Our curriculum topics offer children the chance to reflect on our core values and British values.

You can view our detailed termly schemes of work by clicking on the links below:

British Values and SMSC at Primary

Our British Values Policy is available here.