Schools, through their curriculum, are legally bound to actively promote the fundamental British values: "democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.” The Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy and these values were reiterated in 2014.
At Longney CE Primary Academy these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy
- Each year the children decide upon their class charter and the rights associated with these. All the children contribute to the drawing up of the charter. We have a School Council which meets every month with the Headteacher to discuss issues raised in Class Council meetings. The council has its own budget and is genuinely able to effect change within the school. Every child on the student council is voted in by their class. Our House and Sports Captains are also voted for by the pupils.
The Rule of Law
- The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at Longney. Pupils are taught from an early age the rules of the school. These are our Golden Rules, Playground Rules and Class Rules Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police, Fire Service and RNLI help reinforce this message.
Individual liberty
- At Longney, 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 informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our eSafety and PSHE lessons.
Mutual Respect and Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
- Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Children 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. Our school motto is: ' Love your neighbour as yourself. Treat others as you would like to be treated.' (Matthew 22.39)
- At Longney CE Primary we help pupils to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life. We celebrate diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures and will challenge. Religious Education lessons and PSHE lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others. Members of different faiths and religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. The children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths. We will challenge prejudicial and discriminatory behaviour.
