Our Christain values help us to promote the fundemental British values as defined by the government in the 2011 Prevent Strategy. The DfE has recently 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.'
At Breage Church of England School we promote those values in the following ways:
Democracy
We have a student council which meets regularly. The council has its own budget and is genuinely able to effect change within the school. Every child on the student council is voted in by their class.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are regularly reinforced. 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.
Individual Liberty
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. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our eSafety and PSHE lessons.
Mutual Respect
This lies at the heart of our Christian values. Children learn that their behaviour has an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
We actively promote diversity through RE and through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures. PSHE lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others. Visits from people of different faiths help to reinforce our view that there are many ways to celebrate the glory of God and that, in His eyes, we are all equally special and equally loved.
