British Values
At Patcham Infant School, we teach pupils about British values which are defined as:
- Democracy
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Mutual respect
- Acceptance of those of different faiths and beliefs (as published in June 2014 by the Department of Education)
These values are taught through the curriculum and experienced explicitly through our school relationships and our celebration of diversity and inclusion. The school takes opportunities to actively promote British values through our whole school systems and structures, such as electing school leaders, council members and running a successful School Council. The children also have an active voice in many initiatives and school improvement matters from helping designing the playground, promoting healthy living to canvassing safe parking in the local area.
At Patcham Infant School these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy
Democracy is an important aspect of our school values. Our pupils have the opportunity to express their views through the school council (where children are selected by a class vote), pupil conferencing and active pupil voice through such roles as Sports Leaders and the Eco Council.
The Rule of Law
Our Golden Rules and Playground Rights and Responsibilities provide the moral and social framework in which children learn how to contribute in a positive manner to the safety and well-being of all members of the community. They are encouraged to reflect on the impact of possible choices on other individuals and they learn to develop a respect for all in their behaviour and attitudes.
Individual Liberty
Our school ethos and personal and social education emphasize our freedom to be who we want to be and to be proud of who we are as long as our actions or thoughts do not infringe the freedoms of others. Our school environment is safe and supportive and encourages children to express themselves. Our Explore and Learn model allows children to often lead their own learning through choice of challenge and lines of enquiry.
Mutual Respect
Respect each other’ is a value at the centre of our school ethos. As a multicultural and inclusive school, we nurture understanding and appreciation of our diversity through our curriculum and children’s voice.
Through projects and presentations, we work closely with:
- Parents/carers and pupils to share their knowledge and understanding of their heritage
- Albion in the Community we develop an understanding of physical and learning disabilities
- Resident Expert - children develop an understanding of individual interests
Understanding and celebration of those of different faiths and beliefs
As a multicultural and multi-faith school, it is part of our school ethos to respect and understand other pupils’ faiths and beliefs. This is achieved through teaching children about world faiths throughout the curriculum and through celebrating special days and festivals from our children’s religious backgrounds and others. Our assemblies celebrate and explain festivals from all religious backgrounds: Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Christianity and Judaism.
