Promoting British Values
Reinwood Junior School is committed to serving its community. It recognises the multi-cultural, multi faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom. It also understands the vital role it has in ensuring that groups or individuals within the school are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.
It follows equal opportunities guidance which guarantees that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or similar.
Our School is dedicated to preparing pupils for their adult life beyond the statutory National Curriculum and ensuring that it promotes and reinforces British values to all its pupils.
The Government emphasises that schools are required to ensure that key ‘British Values’ are taught in all UK schools. The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy.
The five British Values are:
- Democracy
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Mutual respect
- Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
The school uses strategies within the National Curriculum and beyond to secure such outcomes for students. The examples that follow show some of the many ways school seeks to embed British values.
Democracy
The principle of democracy is consistently being reinforced at Reinwood Junior School, with democratic processes being used for important decisions within the school community, for instance, elections being held for School Council and Eco Reps. The principle of democracy is also explored in the History, Geography and PSHE curriculum as well as in assemblies.
The rule of law
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at our school.
Pupils have an active role in setting and reviewing the school rules, these rules are displayed in every classroom along with a class charter of expectations. Pupils are taught the value and the reasons behind 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 and Fire Service reinforce this message.
Individual liberty
At Reinwood Junior School, pupils are actively encouraged to make independent choices, with the knowledge that they are in a safe, secure and supportive environment. Staff at school educate and provide boundaries for students to make informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised on how to exercise these safely, for example through online safety and independent work. Reinwood has a robust anti-bullying culture and has in place a comprehensive Positive Behaviour policy.
Mutual Respect
Respect is a strong part of Reinwood Junior School and is one of our school values. Pupils 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 and this is reiterated through the teaching and learning environments. Mutual respect is embraced throughout the curriculum by providing the opportunity for students to express their views in a safe environment.
Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
This is achieved through equipping pupils with the ability to understand their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving the opportunities to experience such diversity within the school community. Students benefit from a number of visits and visitors. Additionally, students are actively encouraged to share their faith and beliefs within the school and celebrate festivities throughout the calendar year. The RE curriculum, which is compulsory for all students, provides a broad and balanced education on a range of faiths, religions and cultures.
Reinwood Junior School strives endlessly to ensure that its pupils leave with the strongest foundation of values upon which to build a successful life and a successful contribution to our society.