The DfE stress the importance for a school “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 Oakmere Primary and Nursery, these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy
Each year the children contribute towards their class rules, and these are displayed in class. Oakmere has a school council which meets fortnightly. We have developed a ‘you said we did’ display board which shows the impact of the school council and the actions that took place.In addition to this, we complete a pupil survey annually where pupils can put forward their views about the school.
The Rule of Law
The importance of Laws and rules includes talking to children about those that we use in school and in our classrooms and laws that we have for our country. This is consistently reinforced at Oakmere. We especially focus on this through school assemblies, class rules, school values, circle time and when dealing with pupil behaviour.
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.
Individual Liberty
Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are taught how to exercise their personal freedom safely for example through E-Safety, PSHE lessons and choosing to participate in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities. Peer mediators, sports leaders also help to support children in making choices.
Mutual Respect
Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy has revolved around Core Values such as ‘Respect’, and pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown. The school ethos and aims promote respect for others and this is reiterated through our classroom and school values, as well as our behaviour policy. At Oakmere, our school values are displayed in every class.
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. Faith-based assemblies and discussions frequently involve these issues. Oakmere is a diverse school. We actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures. Religious Education lessons and PSHE lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others. Members of different faiths and religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. Children at Oakmere have had opportunities to visit places of worship that are important to different faiths.