British Values
At New Marston Primary School we uphold and teach pupils about British Values which are defined as:
Democracy
Rule of law
Individual liberty
Mutual respect
Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
These values are taught explicitly through Personal, Social, Health and Emotional (PSHE), and Religious Education (RE). We also teach British Values through planning and delivering a broad and balanced curriculum.
The school takes opportunities to actively promote British Values through daily collective worship and whole school systems and structures such as electing and running a successful School Council, Prefect system and Learning Detectives. We also actively promote British values through ensuring that our curriculum planning and delivery includes real opportunities for exploring these values.
At New Marston Primary School, these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy
Democracy is an important value at our school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council (whole school actions) and Learning Detectives (actions linked to being a TIGER learner). The elections of members for both these groups are based on pupil votes. House captains are also voted for by the whole school.
At least once a year the governors spend the day in school gaining feedback from the pupils. This information feeds into our Raising Achievement Plan. All adults consistently model to pupils how perceived injustice can be peacefully challenged.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws and rules, whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days. Our system for behaviour is aligned to an agreed set of expectations and if children are given verbal warnings this is always set against the agreed school behaviour policy. Our behaviour expectations, rewards and sanctions are clearly displayed in each teaching room and in the playground.
Children are asked to identify which aspect of the rules they have broken to ensure that this connection is made and understood. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind 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, fire service etc. are regular parts of our calendar (Health and Safety Week, Aspirations Week and Take Over Day) and help reinforce this message.
To encourage and promote good behaviour, attitude and work, we have devised a reward system which is consistently followed throughout the school. We are committed to praising children’s efforts. We endeavour to praise the children informally, individually, during group work, in front of the whole class and the whole school. Children are rewarded not only for achievement in curriculum areas, but for behaviour and good attitude to learning (being a TIGER learner).
Rewards are given in the form of extra responsibilities (within class and whole school) stickers, Tiger time, Tiger tea party house points and certificates. Pupils earn the privilege of applying to become a Prefect in Year 6 where they are given extra responsibilities. Children’s achievements are also recognised during Celebration Assemblies.
Individual Liberty
Pupils are actively encouraged to make choices at our school, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we provide boundaries for our children to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and planned curriculum. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our e-Safety teaching. Pupils are given the freedom to make choices, e.g. signing up for extra-curricular clubs. Pupils are always encouraged to show responsibility for their own behaviour.
Staff challenge stereotypes and the Anti Bullying policy and procedures are followed consistently across the school. Pupils are clear about what they can do if they are worried or feel they are being bullied.
Mutual Respect
Part of our school ethos and behaviour and attitude to learning policy are based around core values such as ‘teamwork/respect’ and ‘responsibility’ and these values determine how we live as a community at New Marston Primary School. Collective Worship is based on ‘Christian Values for Life’ which are central to how we expect everyone to go about their life at our school.
Tolerance of Those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
This is achieved through enhancing pupils’ understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity in our local community. Collective Worship and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE. We use opportunities such as the Olympics and World Cup to study and learn about life and culture in countries.
We have an annual International Evening where each class represents a country. This is a very popular event with parents and members of the community are also invited to this event. Our EAL co-ordinator ensures that all key events in the religious calendar are displayed so classes can discuss them. Our PSHCE also details these key events
