British Values

Oakworth Primary School is committed to serving the community. It recognises the multi-cultural, multi-faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom. It follows equal opportunities guidance which guarantees that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or similar.

Our School is dedicated to preparing children for their adult life beyond the formal examined curriculum and ensuring that it promotes and reinforces British values.

The Government emphasises that schools are required to ensure that key British Values are taught in all UK schools. The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy.

The five British Values are:

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

The school uses strategies within the National curriculum and beyond to secure such outcomes for children. The following examples show some of the many ways school seeks to embed British values.

Democracy
The principle of democracy is consistently being reinforced at Oakworth Primary School, with democracy processes being used for important decisions within the school community, for instance, elections being held for School Council positions. The principle of democracy is also explored in PSHCE lesson time and assemblies.

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 our school. Children are taught the rules and expectations of the school which are highlighted by our Behaviour policy and our high expectations and aspirations. Children are taught the value and the reasons behind laws that govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service reinforce this message.

Individual liberty
At Oakworth Primary School, children are actively encouraged to make independent choices, with the knowledge that they are in a safe, secure and supportive environment. Staff at school educate and provide boundaries for children to make informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education.

Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised on how to exercise these safely, for example through e-safety and their independent work. Oakworth has a robust anti-bullying culture and has in place a comprehensive positive Behaviour Policy.

Mutual Respect
Respect is a strong part of Oakworth Primary School and is part of our ethos. Children learn that their behaviours effects their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect and this is reiterated through our teaching and learning environments. Mutual respect is embraced throughout the curriculum by providing the opportunity for children to express their views in a safe environment.

Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
This is achieved though equipping our children with the ability to understand their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving the opportunities to experience such diversity within the school community. Children benefit from a number of visits and visitors, including people from other cultures. Additionally, children are actively encouraged to share their faith and beliefs within the school and celebrate festivities throughout the calendar year.

Oakworth Primary School strives endlessly to ensure that all our children leave with the strongest foundation of values upon which to build a successful life and make a successful contribution to our society.