British Values

It is an expectation that the social and moral development of pupils is underpinned by ‘the acceptance and engagement with the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs; they develop and demonstrate skills and attitudes that will allow them to participate fully in and contribute positively to life in modern Britain’ Ofsted Inspection Handbook 2021.

The values which are taught and demonstrated at Marus Bridge align with and promote those defined as ‘fundamental British values’. We are committed to serving our community and surrounding areas. We recognise the multicultural, multi faith nature of the United Kingdom and understand the crucial role we play in promoting these values. We also understand clearly our responsibility in preparing children for their next stage of education and for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life, laying the foundations so that they can take their place successfully in modern British society. We promote a respect for and understanding of different faiths, cultures and lifestyles. The spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of each child is central to everything that we do as a school and central to our vision of “Learn, Enjoy, Achieve”. This is evidenced through our teaching and learning, our inclusive environment and through the many opportunities and experiences provided for our children to understand democracy, law, liberty, mutual respect and tolerance.

Democracy

• All school pupil roles are decided by a democratic class vote. E.G. Councillors, Eco warriors, Head Boy and Girl etc.
• Children are elected to roles such as Head Boy, Head Girl, house captain and vice-captain after giving a speech to all children.
• The school council itself is led by a member of staff and adheres to democratic processes, reporting its actions to the SLT
• A class charter is produced at the start of each year with contributions and input from all pupils in class.
• Our school behaviour system involves children making a contribution to class rules each and every year.
• Children learn about how democracy works in the UK and compares the differences in others countries around the world.

Individual Liberty

• Our core values teach children the importance of choice and how different choices can affect people’s liberty and freedoms in the UK and around the world.
• We provide boundaries and aske children to make safe and informed choices so that they will be empowered and understand the importance of community.
• Children are encouraged to understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms – as in ESafety and PSHE lessons – in order to understand how such freedoms may affect them.
• Through our curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
• The aims, ethos and vision statement are embodied in all that we do.

Mutual Respect

• We have high expectations of how everyone in our school community should interact with each other by showing a high standard of good manners and politeness at all times.
• Our PSHE curriculum embodies values of mutual respect and resilience.
• Respect is embedded in our school and promoted through the class and school rules, determined by the children at the beginning of each year.
• Our Sports Coaches actively promote an attitude of equality and fairness.
• Our Y6 children promote mutual respect between pupils across different phases of the school in the various responsibility roles, particularly at lunchtime.

The Rule of Law

• We have a clearly structured behaviour and E Safety policy which all stakeholders understand and follow.
• We have regular visitors to school to work with pupils with issues surrounding responsibilities, consent and reporting.
• Our PSHE curriculum teaches children about the consequences of crime and the age of culpability around Britain and the world.
• We have links with the local police who come in to work with classes of children, particularly regarding E-Safety. The Fire Service form a regular part of our calendar to help reinforce the rule of law.We regularly review behaviour incidents in school and share these with key stakeholders.

Acceptance of those of different faiths and beliefs – Tolerance

• Our equality and diversity policy reflects the high standards we hold on treating others from different backgrounds, cultures and beliefs and enables children to understand the ever changing diversity in the UK.
• We teach children about the importance of key celebrations from different faiths and cultures in our RE curriculum, such as; Diwali, Easter, Eid, Hanukkah, Chinese New year and Holi and we celebrate these days in school.
• Our R.E curriculum provides a broad and balanced education on a range of faiths, religions and cultures within the UK and around the world.
• Our assembly scheme provides an awareness and insight to pupils of important National and significant international days / weeks / months and gives children a broad and balanced view of SMSC, DLLRT and British Values.

Written  Alison Atkinson & Tracy Heaton