British Values

Teaching & Promoting at Dussindale

The Department for Education (DfE) has 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.”

The key values are:

Democracy
Rule of law
Individual liberty
Mutual respect
Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

The government set out the definition of these values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values have been reiterated by Ministers ever since. At Dussindale Primary School, these values are carefully promoted through our curriculum, our 4R's-Be Ready, Be Responsible, Be Respectful and Be Resilient as well as our school values.

Some subjects within the curriculum explicitly teach the key values, such as PSHE (personal, social, health and emotional) and RE (religious education). Our broad and balanced curriculum also ensures the key values are embedded through rich learning experiences. The school also promotes the key British values through its whole school systems and structures, such as the electing of an active, democratic School Council, Wellbeing Ambassadors, House Captains, Digital Leaders as well as our Eco Rangers, who ensure caring for the environment is being actioned.

To celebrate being British we:

Study key historical figures and events in British history
Listen to and sing music from different musicians from Britain
Learn key geographical and historical facts about Britain
Study our native wildlife both within our school locality and pond
Support national events such as the Olympics and the World Cup
Strive to have a good sense of humour in the face of adversity!

Democracy

At Dussindale we make decisions together

We have an opportunity to influence the way the school runs through the school council and by talking to staff. We decide on our rewards when we have achieved - e.g. Cool Time. We can influence our lessons by putting our hands up and responding. We encourage our pupils to take ownership of their school and of their own learning and progress. The children, parents and staff have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. Democracy is central to how we operate. In our Voice 21 Talk Tasks we learn how to be active listeners and talkers ensuring our voices are heard and valued.

Rule of Law

We understand why rules are important:

We understand Behaviour for Learning expectations.

We understand that school rules are used to mirror society’s laws and must be respected. The importance of rules and laws are referred to and reinforced in class and in assemblies.

We understand the importance of the learning environment, punctuality and dress code.

The Dussindale code of conduct is displayed in all classrooms to remind our pupils of how we keep our school a safe environment.

We show children the value of laws through our curriculum and how these protect and keep them safe.

Individual Liberty

We believe in freedom for all

We make our choices and understand the rewards and consequences for our action. We take ownership of our own learning and responsibility for consolidating the work we do. We have the freedom to make choices that affect me but we recognise that we are accountable for our actions. We are encouraged to know, understand and exercise our rights and personal freedoms and are taught how to exercise these safely, such as in our Jigsaw lessons.

We use our assemblies to explore and support the school’s values as well as teaching them how to regulate and manage their emotions. We are given key roles and responsibilities such as Librarians, Digital Leaders and Lunchtime Helpers.

Mutual Respect

We treat others as you want to be treated:

We work together cooperatively and support the learning of others, being polite and showing kindness. We respect each other’s viewpoints and model good manners and behaviours. We realise that everyone is entitled to their opinion. We understand that everyone is entitled to a voice within the classroom. We teach our pupils to deal with conflict calmly and peacefully, using restorative behaviour approaches. We give our older children key roles and responsibilities to work alongside younger children as this helps to promote mutual respect across the age phases.

Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs

We understand and value ALL Cultures & Religions:

Our curriculum helps us to be “Society Ready” so that we can live and work alongside people from all backgrounds and cultures. We investigate and learn about different traditions, customs and religious beliefs in our weekly RE lessons. We develop an awareness and appreciation of other cultures – in English through fiction and in art and music by considering cultures from other parts of the world. We know and understand that it is expected that respect is shown to everyone and to everything, whatever differences we may have. We celebrate cultural differences through special themed days, assemblies and experiences.