Barford Primary School

Promoting British Values:

British Values Definition:

• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect
• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

We believe it is incredibly important that these British Values permeate through every school in the country. At Barford you will encounter these values throughout our everyday school life. Below is just a snap shot of how we promote these values in our school community:

Democracy: Making decisions together

Pupil voice plays a big part in life at Barford. Our pupil elected school council play a strong role in our school. They are elected by their class peers and are involved in making Barford a better place to learn. Pupils understand that their views count and that they should value the views of others. Pupils have input in their learning and what they would like to learn which promotes pupil voice. Pupil questionnaires and interviews are also conducted throughout the year. We know that the formation of the school council and the active participation of our pupils will sow the seeds for a more sophisticated understanding of democracy in the future.

The Rule of Law: Understanding that laws and rules matter

Our pupils will encounter rules and laws throughout their entire lives. We want our pupils to understand that whether these laws govern the class, the school, the neighbourhood or the country, they are set for good reasons and must be adhered to. This understanding of the importance of rules will be consistently reinforced through assemblies and our curriculum. The involvement of our pupils in the creation of acceptable behaviours helps them to understand the reasons behind them and the consequences if rules are broken. Throughout the year we welcome visits from members of the wider community including police, the fire brigade and many more. Adults in school actively promote the difference between right and wrong and our pupils are encouraged to understand the impact of their behaviour on others. We believe that clear explanations and real life stories emphasise the importance of the Rule of Law for our pupils.

Individual Liberty: Freedom for all

We invest a lot of time in creating a positive culture in our school, so children are in a safe environment where choices and freedoms are encouraged. We offer a range of clubs which pupils have the freedom to choose from, based on their interests. Through our E-Safety and PSHE sessions, we educate children on their rights and personal freedoms as well as supporting them in recognising how to exercise these freedoms safely. At Barford we believe that valuing choice and freedom in daily school life will foster a value for individual liberty as the children embark upon their adult lives.

Mutual Respect: Treat others as you wish to be treated

As a school welcoming pupils and families from across the globe, mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Pupils learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect.

Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs:

Barford serves a highly diverse community with cultures, faiths and people from across the globe. We place a great emphasis on ensuring all pupils are part of a broad range of multicultural celebrations throughout the year. We enhance pupils’ understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society, giving everyone opportunities to experience, discuss and share their own faiths and beliefs. We place a great emphasis on the responsibility that all pupils have in our school to ensure all new comers to our school are made to feel welcome, safe and secure.

What is SMSC?

SMSC stands for spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. All schools in England must show how well their pupils develop in SMSC.

Spiritual

Explore beliefs and experience; respect faiths, feelings and values; enjoy learning about oneself, others and the surrounding world; use imagination and creativity; reflect – covered through RE lessons.

Moral

Recognise right and wrong; respect the law; understand consequences; investigate moral and ethical issues; offer reasoned views.

Social

Investigate and moral issues; appreciate diverse viewpoints; participate, volunteer and cooperate; resolve conflict; engage with the fundamental values of British democracy.

Cultural

Appreciate cultural influences; appreciate the role of Britain’s parliamentary system; participate in culture opportunities; understand, accept, respect and celebrate diversity.

“Not everything that counts can be counted” Albert Einstein

At Barford Primary School, we recognise that the personal development of our children plays a significant part in their ability to learn and achieve their full potential. As such, the spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) enrichment of our children is at the heart of the school’s ethos.

We believe that our children cannot and will not learn effectively unless:

• they are happy and secure;
• their individuality is respected;
• their differences are celebrated;
• their difficulties are understood;
• their interests are extended;
• their talents are developed.

For this reason the SMSC development of our children is as important as their academic development. We aim to provide an education that provides children with opportunities ‘shine’  and gives them ‘wings to fly’ in any way they can and enables them to explore and develop their own:

• values and beliefs;
• spiritual awareness;
• personal behaviour;
• positive and caring attitude towards others;
• understanding of their social and cultural roots;
• an appreciation of the diversity and richness of other cultures.