British Values

Promoting British Values is an important part of life here at Mendlesham Primary School.

Children remember the five values using their fingers.

 

How do we teach Democracy?

• Encourage pupils to become involved in decision-making processes and ensure they are listened to in school, such as through the school council 

• Help pupils to express their views in class and through the use of pupil voice

• Democracy is shown/taught through history topics and inspirational women in history

• Provide pupils with a broad general knowledge of, and promote respect for, public institution and services

• Teach pupils how they can influence decision-making through the democratic process (house captains)

• Pupils across key stages take part in pupil questionnaires for a range of subjects, especially PSHE

• Parent/carer views are regularly sought. Suggestions are listened to and taken on board

How do we teach The Rule of Law?

• Clearly structured and publicised Behavioural Policy

• Assemblies cover national and international events

• Visits from outside agencies - e.g. Bikeability etc

• Regular class and school awards and celebration assemblies 

• Class rules, linked to our school’s values

• Use of praise and rewards to promote positive consequences (tokens etc)

• Visits from the local public services to talk to the children about being safe and the law.  These include fire service, police officers, road safety units etc.

• Help pupils to distinguish right from wrong.  School council discussions, debating etc

How do we teach Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs?

• We have high expectations about pupil conduct and understanding of diversity. This is reflected in our Behaviour and Equality policies

• Pupils are reminded of their place in a culturally diverse society. This is achieved through the Religious Education curriculum 

• Assemblies and class work promote the diversity of society and the right for each person to be respected and valued equally regardless of ability, gender, faith, heritage or ethnicity

• Diversity is also promoted through music, texts, displays etc

How do we teach Mutual Respect?

• We all have high expectations of achievement and behaviour. Children and staff are polite and kind

• We listen and respect each other

• All members of staff are equally valued

• Weekly acknowledgements are made of all achievements and awards of the pupils in school

• Our wide range of sports activities promotes an attitude of equality and fairness

• Our PSHE/RSE curriculum embodies values of mutual respect

• We promote respect for individual differences

• Develop critical personal thinking skills

• Challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour

• Assemblies have universal themes of respect and embed our values

• As part of our RE curriculum each class learns about other faiths and beliefs

• We consider how some cultures and countries have vulnerable people e.g. homeless people and refugees

How do we teach Individual Liberty?

• Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment, this includes regular and high emphasis on online safety

• Pupils have key roles and responsibilities in the school, including school council, librarians, eco-rangers, house captains, classroom monitors, class ambassadors

• Assemblies and visual representation of our school values, spread our vision

• A wide range of extracurricular activities, events, residential trips and visitors enable the children to develop their individuality

• Implement a strong anti-bullying culture

• Ongoing visits (including virtual) to other places of worship

• Openly discussing and celebrating the differences between people such as different faiths, gender, ethnicity and disability

We are very proud of our school, the quality of our teaching, the behaviour of our children and the many wonderful opportunities that we provide. At Mendlesham, both children and adults follow these Golden Rules:

Our Golden Rules

• We are kind and helpful, we don’t hurt anyone’s feelings.
• We are honest, we don’t cover up the truth.
• We look after property, we don’t waste or damage things.
• We listen to people, we don’t interrupt.
• We are gentle, we don’t hurt others.
• We try to work hard, we don’t waste time.