British Values
British Values
The Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values were reiterated in 2014. The DfE have 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.”
At Carlisle Infant School these values are taught, reinforced and celebrated in an age appropriate way, through our broad, balanced and enriched curriculum, collective worship, our structures and systems, our commitment to the importance of pupil voice and leadership and as an intrinsic part of our ethos and values.
Democracy
At Carlisle we believe that it is very important that the children's views are considered when making decisions about how our school operates. We want the children to appreciate the value of democracy and understand the role that all individuals, including themselves, have within a democratic society. Every child has a right to share their views and have their say and we practise this regularly, for example, every day the children vote for a class book to be shared.
The School Council
We have an amazing group of School Counsellors in Year 2 who meet regularly to discuss and plan projects that will improve the school and be of benefit to its pupils. The School Counsellors are excellent role models to their peers and are actively involved in promoting and demonstrating ‘The Golden Rules’ on a daily basis. They assist with sharing certificates in our weekly celebration assemblies and contribute regularly to our school life.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at Carlisle Infant School through assemblies and our curriculum, and through high expectations demonstrated and modelled by staff and other pupils. Pupils are taught from an early age the rules of the school. A positive behaviour scheme is in place within the school and pupils are encouraged to reflect on their behaviour and helped to make appropriate choices. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and 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.
At Carlisle Infants the children follow the 'Golden Rules'. In a Governor survey with pupils, the children spoke about the 'Golden Rules' and why they are important.
- ‘Rules help to keep us safe’
- ‘They remind us of how we should treat eachother’
- ‘I have the Golden Rules at home - they are on the fridge’
- ‘They are fair and stop people from doing whatever they want!’
Individual Liberty
At Carlisle, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. We educate and provide boundaries for our pupils to make informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education. Our pupils are encouraged to take risks in their learning and also physical risks in our outdoor environment, for example, climbing on the rock climbing wall or crossing the monkey bars. Pupils enjoy a wonderful range of extra-curricular clubs and activities that they are encouraged to choose and enjoy. 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 PSHE lessons. In each class at Carlisle Infants we have 'Circle Time'. Circle Time is where we express our opinions in a variety of topics. Everyone has a turn to speak and everyone's opinions and views are valued. If we disagree with someone's opinion, we do politely and explain our reasons. We become increasingly confident in expressing our views and we learn to respect the thoughts and feelings of others. We strive to enable pupils to develop self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence and we engender a “can do” resilient attitude in both children and staff.
Mutual Respect
Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. From the outset, our pupils learn that their behaviour can have an effect on their own rights and well-being and those of others. All members of the school community, whether they are an adult or a child, are expected to treat each other with respect.
Tolerance of Those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Carlisle Infant School is proud of its diverse school family. We place a great emphasis on promoting diversity with the children and assemblies are planned to address this issue either directly or through the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a wide range of faiths and cultures. Children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths and our RE teaching reinforces this. Our Collective Worship sessions and PSHE lessons also reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others. Members of different faiths or religions, including parents, are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. School displays celebrate different religions and celebrations. We offer a culturally rich and diverse curriculum in which all major religions are studied and respected. We believe that tolerance is gained through knowledge and understanding. We strive to demonstrate tolerance and help pupils to become knowledgeable and understanding citizens who can build and be part of a better Britain for the future.
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