Fundamental British Values
What RHJS is doing to promote Fundamental British Values:
RHJS promotes the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.
This is provided by SMSC provision through lessons, unstructured time, assemblies and curriculum enhancement
In addition, pupils will also learn; the constituent parts of the British nation; the flags of the constituent nation and the component parts of the Union flags; the key capital cities of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; the Monarchy; famous British events and personalities; key personalities and institutions that promote British Values.
Democracy:
- All pupils within school have a voice that is listened to, democracy is demonstrated by promoting democratic processes such as school council whose members are voted for by the pupils. School Council to support decisions made in school where relevant.
- All pupils have a voice that is listened through pupil questions
- Peer mentors go through an extensive application and interview process to ensure equality of opportunity and fairness.
- All pupils responsibilities and duties are open to all pupils within an appropriate age band promoting equality and fairness
- Within the PSHE curriculum children are taught the values of citizenship and how choices can be made to support the needs of all people.
- Assemblies introduce ideas of what democracy is compared with autocratic decision making through key figures and events in history.
The Rule of Law:
The importance of laws is reinforced through the expectation for pupils to follow rules in class and around school following the school’s code of conduct. Pupils are taught the consequences of breaking these codes and appropriate rewards and sanctions. Pupils are taught to understand the reason for rules and laws, to understand how they govern and protect us. Visits from services such as the Fire Service reinforce this message.
The PSHE curriculum teaches the children about rights and responsibilities of individuals and groups teaching them to be good citizens. They learn about different kinds of rights and responsibilities at home, school, in the community, and towards the environment.
Assemblies reinforce issues and situations that have taken place in history when laws have been broken down or unjust.
Individual Liberty
Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices that are correct and purposeful, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. We provide structured and unstructured time where pupils have to make safe and appropriate choices.
Pupils exercise their rights and personal freedoms through different situations, such as, use of the internet for research and following E-Safety boundaries, and educating to support pupils to make appropriate choices on the internet out of school. Elements of choice are planned throughout the curriculum and learning.
Assemblies draw attention to historical situations where personal freedoms and liberty have been stopped e.g. Girls not being allowed a right to education
Mutual Respect
All pupils are taught to be respectful and positively encourage each other, regardless of differences between them. The children are taught to work co-operatively with each other in class lessons and listen to each other’s opinions. They also have opportunities to support each other through peer evaluation opportunities.
Children are taught about anti-discriminatory practices including relating to bullying and racism.
Assembly themes promote mutual respect throughout the year. For example: Black History Month, different religious festival, manners and courtesy to each other and adults.
The school also covers aspects of the past which have not been positive examples of positive British Values, eg: slavery, exploitation of children etc
Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
Our RE and PSHE curriculums promote learning about different world religions and beliefs. This is reinforced through the humanities curriculum and yearly Arts Week.
Assemblies and other curriculum areas cover lack of tolerance and the consequences of these acts on others e.g. Anne Frank, Martin Luther King.