British Values
Our school reflects British values in all that we do. We aim to nurture our children on their journey through life so they can grow into safe, caring, democratic, responsible and tolerant adults who make a positive difference to British society and to the world. We encourage our children to be creative, unique, open-minded and independent individuals, respectful of themselves and of others in our school, our local community and the wider world.
Democracy:
Children, parents and staff have many opportunities for their voices to be heard at Chadsmead Primary Academy. Democracy is an important value at our school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through the School Council. The election of the School Council members reflects our British electoral system and demonstrates democracy in action where candidates make speeches, pupils consider characteristics important for an elected representative, all pupils have the opportunity to vote. Made up of two representatives from each class, the School Council meets regularly to discuss issues raised by the different classes.
EYFS practitioners offer a daily opportunity for young voices to be heard through voting daily which book they would want to hear at the end of the day.
The Rule of Law:
The importance of rules and laws, whether they be those that govern our school or our country, are referred to and reinforced often, such as in assemblies and when reflecting on behaviour choices. At the start of the school year, each class discusses and sets its own Class Charter, a set of principles that are clearly understood by all and seen to be necessary to ensure that every class member is able to learn in a safe environment.
Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves, and the consequences when laws are broken. Pupils at Chadsmead are regularly rewarded for great behaviour with stars and certificates.
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 provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through E-Safety and PSHE lessons. Pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
Mutual Respect:
Respect is a vital part of any civilised society and therefore it is of the greatest importance that children at Chadsmead learn to understand and respect each other so that they grow up to become respectful citizens of the local community and the wider world. Pupils at Chadsmead know and understand that it is expected and imperative that respect is shown to everyone. Our school ethos and behaviour policy revolves around our core values of respect and responsibility as a community at Chadsmead.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:
At Chadsmead we offer a culturally rich and diverse curriculum in which major religions are studied and respected. Our RE and PSHE lessons reinforce this where children learn about different faiths, cultures and celebrations.
We strongly believe that tolerance is gained through knowledge and understanding. Through our curriculum and the routines of our daily school life, we strive to demonstrate tolerance and help children to become knowledgeable and understanding citizens who can build a better Britain for the future. Each Year group visit a different place of worship, which allows children at Chadsmead the opportunity to enhance their understanding of cultural diversity.
Preparing children for Life in Modern Britain:
At Chadsmead Primary Academy we take very seriously our responsibility to prepare children for life in modern Britain. We ensure that the fundamental British Values are introduced, discussed and lived out through the ethos and work of the school. All curriculum areas provide a vehicle for furthering understanding of these concepts and in particular our RE and PSHE lessons provide excellent opportunities to deepen and develop understanding. Children embrace these concepts with enthusiasm and demonstrate a good understanding of their application in their own lives.
The school makes considerable efforts to ensure children have exposure to a wide experience in and beyond their local community during which these concepts are shown, through for example a range of visits and visitors and school events . Their strong rooted values-based understanding gives our children an excellent platform for embracing differences.