Promoting British Values at Cupernham Junior School

The Government reiterated the importance of schools promoting British Values in 2014 and at Cupernham Junior School we uphold these values in so much of what we do, not least during our school assemblies. British Values are integral to our school Vision: Dream, Believe, Achieve and the children at Cupernham Junior School enjoy learning about their rights and responsibilities, as we help prepare them for adult life. 

Cupernham Junior School reinforce and promote British Values in the following ways:

Democracy

At Cupernham Junior School, we regularly use the language of our code of conduct and learning behaviours; these are shown through displays, feedback to children, assemblies, certificates and the language we use with children, staff and parents. The curriculum itself actively promotes democracy, often explicitly so such as the Greeks and the who’s in charge projects.

At the start of the year children are involved in discussions about the Cupernham code of conduct, and the discussion around the rights and responsibilities associated with these as learners and members of the class, as well as the school and local community. Pupils are also listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and with concern for each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard.

Children have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. We have a school council which meets regularly to discuss aspects of school life. The council is able to genuinely effect change within the school. The council members for each class are voted in by their class. Pupils have the opportunity to vote on and be apart for decisions linked to the work of the school. Pupils also have the opportunity to apply for positions, such as House Captain, Sports Leaders and the Eco Warriors.

Pupils are regularly asked questions about their learning in pupil conferencing sessions. These are conducted by different members of staff and governors. We seek their views to improve our school.

In History we look at democracy in Year 4 and Year 5, making links to our local MP.

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout the curriculum, as well as underpinning the Code of conduct, the expectations of behaviour and through school assemblies. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken for example through the PHE curriculum and the who’s in charge project. E-safety is also a very important part of our curriculum in ensuring that children follow rules and guidance to keep safe when working online. Bikeability in Year 6 teaches pupils about the law when cycling, and develops a greater understanding of ‘Rules of the Road’.

Individual Liberty

Our school motto: Dream, Believe, Achieve is at the heart of everything we do. At Cupernham Junior School pupils are supported in developing a growth mindset to enjoy being challenged in their work and to have high aspirations for themselves.  Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive 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 E-Safety and lessons. Whether it be through choice of learning challenge, of how they record, or participation in carousel activities pupils are given the freedom to make choices. Through our PSHE lessons, children learn about their rights and responsibilities and are advised on how to carry them out safely.   In PE lessons and sporting competitions, we promote the concept of ‘fair play’, following and developing rules, inclusion of others, and being competitive in an appropriate way.

Mutual Respect 

At Cupernham Junior School, respect is central to our values, and a key behaviour that we develop within our pupils. Everyone in our school community (children, staff, governors and parents) treat each other with respect. As children grow older, they learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect. We take pride in modelling manners and being courteous to each other.  This is frequently commented on by visitors or when the children are on educational visits outside of the school Weekly ‘Celebration Assemblies’ promote individual achievement, as well as developing respect for one another’s achievements.

Assembly themes are planned to include not only our school values, but also to teach children about stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures. Our RE and PSHE lessons also reinforce the importance of learning about, and developing respect for the cultural diversity of Britain. Members of our school are encouraged to share their beliefs to enhance learning, and children have the opportunity to visit places of worship on school trips. Respect is very important to us at Cupernham Junior School and we will challenge pupils, staff and parents who express opinions contrary to fundamental British values. 

Tolerance

At Cupernham Junior School, we have a variety of cultural beliefs amongst our pupils and staff. Although broadly Christian in ethos, we strongly promote diversity with the children. Assemblies are regularly planned to address this through the inclusion of stories, discussions, visitors and learning about celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures. Our RE teaching also reinforce this. Pupils and visitors of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.

 Being part of Britain

As a school, we value and celebrate the diverse cultures of our Romsey community. Alongside this, we value and celebrate being part of Britain. In general terms, this means that we celebrate traditions, such as customs in the course of the year; for example, Remembrance Day, Harvest festival, Guy Fawkes night, Children in Need, Comic Relief, General Elections etc… Children are kept up to date with the news from Britain as well as the rest of the world through newsround.

Further, children learn about being part of Britain through our curriculum, for example through the Geography and history curriculum.

Prevent Duty

A key part of the government’s counter-terrorism strategy is called ‘Prevent’. The aim is to prevent radicalisation of any individual, and to positively promote what it means to be British, in order to create a cohesive society that lives out British values, whatever the origins or ethnicity of the individuals. Read more about ‘Prevent’ here.

How do we do our part in both preventing radicalisation, and promoting British Values?

• Most importantly, read above for how we promote British Values through our curriculum- it’s simply a part of who we are and what we do at Cupernham Junior School
• We take great pride in developing our children’s Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural development.
• We ensure that our safeguarding practices are kept up-to-date, and our policy and training covers the different aspects of the ‘Prevent Strategy’.
• We are ensuring that our pupils are able to think critically using curriculum opportunities including small group work.
• We teach about multiple religions and faiths
• Assemblies focus on our code of conduct which inherently promote British Values.
• We challenge and act strongly on any form of racism or prejudice, either by adults or children.
• We provide strong emotional and pastoral support, and look out for individuals or groups of children or adults who may be isolated.
• We have strong links with local charities, community and faith groups, and seek to look beyond our own walls.