British Values
'Our aim is for all children to learn how to develop powerful voice which enables them to make meaningful choices for a life of opportunity and success'.
The Department for Education states 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”.
These British Values are defined as:
• Respect for democracy and support or participation in the democratic process
• Respect for the basis on which the law is made and applies in England
• Support for equality of opportunity for all
• Support and respect for the liberties of all within the law
• Respect for and tolerance of different faiths and religious and other beliefs
At Kippax Ash Tree, we ensure British Values are reflected in all that we do. We aim to nurture our children on their journey through life so they can grow into safe, caring, democratic, responsible and tolerant adults who make a positive difference to British society and to the world. We encourage our children to be creative, unique, open-minded and independent individuals, respectful of themselves and of others in our school, our local community and the wider world. We follow equal opportunities guidance which guarantees that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or similar.
Individual Liberty
At Kippax Ash Tree, we demonstrate Individual Liberty through our child friendly anti-bullying policy, and we teach children about e-safety using our PSHE curriculum and D:Side agency. Through our 'Voices and Choices' curriculum, we encourage children to make informed choices. All staff at Ash Tree educate, guide and provide boundaries for children to make informed choices, through a safe environment and empowering curriculum.
Rule of Law
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at Kippax Ash Tree. Children are taught our three school rules and expectations of the school. Through our strong 'Voices and Choices' vision, our knowledge rich curriculum, PSHE Jigsaw scheme and assemblies children are taught the value and the reasons behind laws that 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 also reinforce this message.
Respect is a strong part of Kippax Ash Tree. All children have rights and we feel it is important that children understand their entitlements and freedoms should be respected. Through our behaviour system, children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and the rights of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect and this is reiterated through our teaching and learning environments.
Mutual Respect
Mutual respect is embraced throughout the curriculum by providing the opportunity for children to express their views and voice in a safe environment. Our school ethos allows all voices to be heard and answered respectfully. Through our Rights Respecting award, children explore ways of developing an ethos of mutual respect for rights through rights-based agreements, consider participation rights and discover practical ways to meet the Rights of a child.
Democracy
The principle of democracy is consistently reinforced through our 'Voices and Choices' curriculum. Democracy processes are demonstrated through our highly established Pupil Parliament Team. This body of children is made up of children from Year’s 5 and 6 who were democratically elected by their constituents. They meet weekly to work together on improving and driving the school forward, keeping the voice and rights of the children at the heart of everything they do. The principle of democracy is also explored in the History and Religious Studies curriculum, as well as in class and whole school assemblies.
Tolerance
Tolerance is achieved though equipping children with the ability to understand their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving the opportunities to experience such diversity within the school community and curriculum. Additionally, children are actively encouraged to share their faith and beliefs within the school and celebrate festivities throughout the calendar year. The RE curriculum provides a broad and balanced education on a range of faiths, religions and cultures.
Kippax Ash Tree is working towards becoming a Silver Rights Respecting School. Our 'Voices and Choices' curriculum and SMSC education supports children to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence; distinguish right from wrong and to respect English law; encourage children to accept responsibility for their behaviour, show initiative and contribute positively to society; enable students to acquire a broad general knowledge of, and respect for, services and to appreciate and respect their own and other cultures.
