Promoting British Values and SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural) development

In accordance with the Department for Education (DfE), we aim to actively promote the fundamental British Values to ensure children leave school prepared for life in modern Britain.
The Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values have been reiterated in 2014 as part of SMCS development in schools.

The British Values are:

• Democracy
• The Rule of Law
• Individual Liberty
• Mutual Respect and Tolerance

As a Community Primary school that explicitly leads a values–based curriculum, these British values are both integral and reinforced regularly. We establish a strong school ethos supported by effective relationships throughout the school and provide relevant activities and opportunities both inside and outside the classroom as a way of ensuring SMSC development and British Values are embedded.
How do we promote British Values and SMSC at The Oaks?

 Mapped into our PSHE curriculum for discrete teaching
 Threaded through the RE curriculum
 School Values
 Key Stage assemblies
 Displays and resources reflect different faiths
 Awareness days such as Multi-Faith Week
 School and Eco Council
 Philosophy Sessions
 Extra-Curricular ‘Debating Club’

 

Democracy

At The Oaks CP School children, parents and staff have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. Children are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions heard. It is a strength of our school that all staff make time to listen, so that children’s concerns are heard and acted upon. We have both a School Council and Eco Council, elected by the children, which meets regularly to discuss issues raised by the children and by staff. Children are often involved in the appointment process when new staff are taken on. They prepare their own questions and feedback to the Senior Leadership Team, proving to be a valuable piece of the jigsaw when assessing a candidate’s suitability to integrate and succeed in our school.

 

The Rule of Law

It is expected that pupils should understand that different people may hold different views about what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, although all people living in England are subject to its law. The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced at The Oaks. Children are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws, that they govern and protect us, which is essential for our well-being and safety. Children are taught the responsibility that law involves and the consequences when rules are broken. Visits from the authorities such as the Police and Fire Service reinforce this message. Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms. Pupils in Year 6 can prove their trustworthiness by wearing a ‘Golden Acorn’ as a sign to others in school that they are proud to be members of our school community and lead by example, setting a good example to others through their actions and behaviours within and beyond school.

 

Individual Liberty

All children at The Oaks are encouraged to be independent learners and are actively encouraged to make choices and face challenges, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. They are advised how to do this safely through various aspects
of our curriculum, particularly through Philosophy, E-Safety lessons and all aspects of PSHE, RSE and RE. Children are keen to support local, national and global charities, and are taught consideration for others.

 

Mutual Respect and Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

The Oaks CP School is a multicultural school which embraces and celebrates different faiths and beliefs through RE lessons, assemblies and PSHE lessons, to name a few. We have Christmas parties, Eid parties and visitors of different faiths where our children model mutual respect and a genuine interest to how their peers may practise their religion and/or beliefs. Children are treated with respect and are expected to behave with appropriate respect in return. They clearly understand that discriminatory language is not acceptable and will be challenged. This approach is supported by our school behaviour policy and our home school agreement. Adults in school are positive
role-models and demonstrate the core values of our school community at all times.

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