Promoting Fundamental British Values.
In accordance with The Department for Education we aim to actively promote British values in schools to ensure young people leave school prepared for life in modern Britain. Pupils are encouraged to regard people of all faiths, races and cultures with respect and tolerance and understand that while different people may hold different views about what is "right" and "wrong", all people living in England are subject to its law.
As a Methodist school our Christian Values are very important to us and they underpin our whole ethos and teaching in school. We model and teach the values we want our children to adopt in their lives based on the model of Jesus' life.
The Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values are promoted at Banks Methodist Primary School by:
DEMOCRACY - children have opportunities for their voices to be heard in school. At the start of the year they work together to write the class rules. We have a school council which meets regularly to discuss issues and improve school. This year they have been instrumental in the development of the outdoor quiet area.
THE RULE OF LAW- The importance of laws, either ones relating to the class, the school or the country are constantly reinforced through our day to day behaviour management system, assemblies and through activities in school. This year we have welcomed the police dogs and their handlers in from a local prison to talk about their role in the community in upholding the law. Other visits from the Fire and Police Service reinforce this message.
INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY - Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we help children learn to make choices sensibly. Pupil are encouraged to know and exercise their personal freedoms and rights in school and given support in acquiring these skills through e safety and PHSE lessons.
MUTUAL RESPECT - as a church school mutual respect is at the foundation of our school values. Adults model respect and it is one of our church school values. Children learn that how they behave impacts on others and to respect each other for their differences and similarities. All members of the school community are asked to treat each other with respect at all times.
TOLERANCE OF THOSE OF DIFFERENT FAITHS AND BELIEFS - Our school does not have much cultural diversity but we ensure through PHSE and RE lessons that we actively promote diversity with the children. We will actively challenge any pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British values, including extremist views.