British Values

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The Department for Education state that there is a 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 government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values have been reiterated by the Prime Minister this year.  At Woodlawn School these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

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Democracy

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Pupils have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. We have a school council which meets regularly to discuss issues raised in class. The school council is able to genuinely effect change within the school. The council members for each class are voted in by their class.

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The Rule of Law

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The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout school days, as well as when dealing with 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. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help reinforce this message.

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Individual Liberty

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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 advise how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it be through choice of challenge, of how they record, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.

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Mutual Respect

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Pupils are encouraged and taught to respect others views and contributions. These are taught through assemblies, PSHCE lessons and everyday activities and discussions that occur in the playground, classroom, and out in the community.

The pupils know and understand that it is expected and imperative that respect is shown to everyone, whatever differences we may have.

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Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

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Pupils are taught to respect those of different faiths and beliefs. This is achieved through enhancing pupils understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying are taught in RE and PSHCE.