British Values

British Values at Shadsworth Junior School

The British values of:

• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Individual Liberty
• Mutual Respect and Tolerance

are fully embedded through our curriculum subjects and wider school life. They are also integrated into our School Values: Oracy, Mental Health, Challenge, Aspiration and Diversity

Some of how we teach or provide experiences for children are as follows:

Democracy

Democracy is embedded in the school and our curriculum.  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 and voices heard. Children also have the opportunity to air their opinions and ideas through our School Council and Subject Ambassadors. 

The Rule of Law

The importance of rules and laws, whether they are those that are decided in classrooms, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout our school day and through our school assemblies. We encourage our children to learn right from wrong and help children to understand that living under the rule of law protects individuals. 

Children know that laws are there to protect us, the responsibilities that this involves, and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from the Police, Fire Brigade and other services also help to reinforce our messages. We have a whole school approach to positive behaviour and children are clear about the rewards and consequences of our behaviour policy.  

Individual Liberty

Children are actively encouraged to become independent learners and make choices for themselves in a safe and supportive environment.  We support children to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem, and self-confidence developing their sense of individuality through our curriculum.

We promote high aspirations and encourage the children to pursue their interests, providing a range of opportunities across the curriculum and in extra-curricular activities such as our weekly enrichment night to broaden their experience and encourage the children to develop their talents and passions. Our careers fair in the summer term is a valuable learning experience for our older children.

Mutual Respect and Tolerance

Respect and Tolerance are deeply embedded in all that we do each day as a school.   The children know and understand that it is expected, and respect is modelled to children in everything we do. Celebrating differences and developing positive relationships are fundamental components of our PSHE curriculum in each year group. Through PSHE and other curriculum areas, children can discuss their differences, in an open and supportive environment.

Developing a strong sense of community is also a fundamental part of our school.  Children learn to work in partners and groups, supporting and being supported by peers.  We have a weekly good news assembly where a wide range of accomplishments are rewarded and celebrated.

We develop children’s understanding of different faiths and beliefs through RE and the wider curriculum and assemblies.  We have special assemblies and events to mark festivals for major world religions and other cultural events.  Children visit places of worship for each major faith throughout their time here. Our curriculum is inclusive, recognising and celebrating the diversity of our local area.  We ensure that the range of books and other teaching resources used in school, reflect this diversity.