British Values

At Flax Hill Junior Academy, in accordance with The Department for Education, we aim to actively promote fundamental British values to ensure our pupils leave school prepared for life in modern Britain and ready to have a positive influence in our rich and diverse society. We ensure that the fundamental British Values are promoted and that they are central to the school’s values, teaching and general ethos.

The Department for Education (DfE) have emphasised 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.”

Many curriculum areas provide a vehicle for furthering understanding of these concepts, in particular: R.E, history, literacy and assemblies provide opportunities to deepen and develop an embedded understanding of British Values (whether taught implicitly or not). 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. We aim to nurture our children on their journey through life so they can grow into safe, caring, democratic, responsible, inclusive and tolerant adults who make a positive difference to British society and to the world. Children are encouraged to take part in community events and to support charities, such as: Children in Need and the Midland Air Ambulance.

The key British Values are:

Democracy

We teach our children to understand the meaning of democracy and promote respect for public institutions and services. We support children in understanding how they can influence decision making through the democratic process. At Flax Hill we have our own school council and prefects. Through our School Council, we encourage our pupils to express themselves by sharing suggestions and opinions and to recognising they have a valid contribution to make to school life.
The principle of democracy is further explored at appropriate moments throughout the literacy, history and R.E. curriculum, as well as in assemblies. For example, during persuasive writing lessons, children may be asked to express an opinion and openly debate contentious issues with their peers.

The Rule of Law

We actively promote and model the rule of law by ensuring the school rules are clear and fair. The School’s Behaviour Policy is shared with children and available on the school website. We help children to distinguish between right and wrong choices. The importance of laws and rules are consistently reinforced throughout the day by emphasising the children should be Ready, Respectful and Safe at all times. Children are taught the value and reasons behind the laws that govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities, such as: the Police, Fire Service, Street Wardens and Ambulance staff are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this code.

We are committed to praising children’s efforts. Children are rewarded not only for achievement in curriculum areas, but also for behaviour. Rewards are given in the form of stickers, Dojo points and certificates. Their achievements and positive behaviour are also recognised during Celebration Assemblies and through positive interaction with children in the classroom and the whole school environment.

Mutual Respect and Tolerance

Respect is one of the core values of our school (Ready, Respectful and Safe). The pupils know and understand that it is expected and imperative that respect is shown to everyone, whatever differences we may have, however big or small. Pupils are helped to acquire an understanding and respect of their own and other cultures, faiths communities and ways of life. They learn about different faith days, celebrations and festivals and the importance of these to the people who value them. Visits are promoted with local faith communities and places of worship. Through the PSHE and R.E. curriculums, pupils are encouraged to discuss and respect differences and similarities between people regarding: faith, ethnicity, disability, gender or sexuality and differences of family situations.

Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices, stereotypes and bullying have been followed and supported by learning in R.E. and even literacy.

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. Pupils are supported to develop their self-esteem and self-confidence. Also, pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their behaviour. For example, through our e-safety policy, school council and eco-council. Furthermore, we also aim for our pupils to understand the consequences of their actions on others and our local, national and global environments.

Vulnerable pupils are protected and stereotypes challenged. A strong anti-bullying culture is embedded in the school and in our anti-bullying policy. As a multi-faith school, children are called upon to share practice and values. Through this, similarities and differences are established and a culture of respect is developed and embraced.