British Values
At Carrington Junior School we promote ‘British Values’ through our spiritual, moral, social and cultural education, which is embedded, throughout our whole school ethos as well as through our PSHE curriculum; this supports the development of the ‘whole child’.
Teaching British Values includes promoting:
- Democracy
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty
- mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs
We promote these values:
- Democracy
Each year the children of Carrington decide upon their class charter and the rights associated with these. All the children contribute to the drawing up of the charter at the start of the new school year.
Children have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. We model democracy in action by holding elections for the posts of responsibility eg House Captains and school council members.
The views of our pupils are frequently gathered, often when teachers are monitoring learning. Subject co-ordinators carry out Pupil Voice discussions about different subjects most terms.
- The Rule of Law
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout all school activities as well as when dealing with behaviour. Pupils are taught the value of and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us. We have good links with our local emergency services and have welcomed them in to discuss rules and laws with pupils, as well as Year 6 having visits from local magistrates.
Pupils are helped to learn to manage their behaviour and take responsibility for their actions. They are also helped to resolve conflict using coaching, utilising the strengths of our Peer Mentors. Staff are committed to providing a consistent and safe environment within the school and beyond.
- Individual Liberty
Pupils at Carrington Junior are encouraged to take their place as valued individuals within our school community. We do this by supporting each pupil to become as independent as possible; many take on positions of responsibility around our school. During the school day, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons. Pupils learn that rights come with balancing responsibilities.
We support others by participating in charitable events such as: Red Nose Day/Comic Relief, Children in Need and local charities such as the One Can Trust and local food bank.
At Carrington Junior School we believe that by engendering a caring and helpful environment we can boost and nurture self-esteem. We offer a range of clubs which pupils have the freedom to choose from, based on their interests.
- Mutual Respect
As a junior school (working hand in hand with our neighbouring infants) mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on themselves and others. They learn the importance of being polite and well mannered towards one another. We promote inclusion and our pupils are understanding and supportive of one another. All members of the school community treat each other with respect.
Our school represents a vibrant and ever-evolving community. As part of our RE lessons, children have visited various places of worship. Staff model mutual respect across our school; this provides a great example for our pupils to follow.
- Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Carrington Junior School serves a community where each person is respected and valued equally without regard to ability, gender, faith, heritage or race. Cultural appreciation and development forms part of our curriculum; tolerance can be gained through knowledge and understanding. We make the most of our school community and believe this brings richness to our curriculum.
Assemblies, RE lessons and visits to places of worship enable pupils to learn more about the faiths and cultural backgrounds, which form the make-up of our school. Pupils are encouraged to experience British culture through the many educational visits and enriching learning experiences we offer. Visits may include: concerts, theatre performances, art galleries, museums, and buildings of significance and country parks. We want all of our pupils to have a sense of ‘belonging’ within our school community; by unlocking their interests and talents we can provide opportunities, which play to their strengths and enhance self-motivation.
At Carrington we view these fundamental British values as universal moral beliefs that are commonly held across the world. We teach these through a distinct curriculum that recognises the unique culture of Britain. We hope to successfully develop in our pupils a pride in being part of the British nation.
