British Values
The DfE have recently 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 Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy. At Cranbrook these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways. We keep an up to date audit of all such teaching and learning opportunities.
Democracy
Pupil voice is embedded in the life of the school.
For example:
- Peer/self - assessment
- Voting in the classroom
- Team points
- School council and debate committees
- Student surveys and evaluations
Pupils are listened to and are expected to listen to and respect the views of others.
The Rule of Law
An understanding of British Law is developed through our curriculum and assemblies.
Our behaviour policy is linked closely to our school values and ensures our community is a safe and respectful environment for all, promoting positive relationships and excellent behaviour.
- Each class displays the school values and know how they apply in all areas of the school
- Playground games - children develop and agree the rules. Trained pupils act as buddies/ play leaders in the playground
- Visits from PCSO/ police and Community Warden
- Elements of the history curriculum also enable children to explore the roles of law and authority in the past. The children are taught the value and reasons behind laws that govern and protect us and the responsibilities and consequences when laws are broken.
Individual Liberty and mutual respect
Our pupils are encouraged to make choices in a safe and supportive environment.
For example:
- Topic starters - children contribute to planning (what do we know/what do we want to find out/how)
- Our approach to behaviour management - children reflect on poor choices and decide on an appropriate consequence in partnership with a staff member
- Choice of after school clubs
- Through discussions in PSHE and Circle Time
- Actively demonstrating our school values - reflected upon regularly and visible across the school
- Growth Mindset principles used to have a positive impact on behaviours for learning
- Buddy systems -Buddies, Play leaders, class partnerships for reading (e.g. Year 6 with EYFS)
- The importance of making safe choices when using the Internet is explored regularly through the Computing curriculum
Respect and tolerance of different beliefs and faiths
Through our curriculum and special events children are taught to understand and appreciate the diverse culture in our society.
This is explored through:
- Assemblies
- RE curriculum (based upon the Canterbury Diocese planning)
- Involvement in local events e.g. Cranbrook Parade
- Participation in national and world events - diversity workshops, religious festivals, charity days.
Please see below for a full evaluation of the impact of our curriculum on SMSC.
Evaluating the impact of our curriculum on SMSC (spiritual, moral, social and cultural) development
Statement from recent Ofsted (April, 2017):
"The school’s values reflect the school’s Christian character and British values. Assemblies provide frequent reminders about the importance of these."
