At Ravensthorpe we actively promote British Values, which are defined by the government as the following:
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Mutual respect
- Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
We teach a broad and balanced curriculum that teaches elements of democracy, civic responsibility, rules and laws, the monarchy, equality, values and virtues, environmental awareness and understanding of other faiths.
Actively promoting British Values also refers to challenging pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values. At Ravensthorpe, values of tolerance and respect permeate all areas of school life. This creates a climate within which pupils feel safe and secure and facilitates the fulfilment of potential. Pupil voice plays an integral part in driving the school forward and school rules at different levels are seen as the foundation upon which this can be achieved. The following are a selection of activities that are evidence of our commitment to British values.
- We have an elected school council that meets every half-term. The children discuss ways of improving the school.
- Children have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council, pupil surveys and questionnaires.
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 regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies.
- 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. Visits from authorities such as the Police; Fire Service etc. are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message.
- Within school, the children 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 safety, through of provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advise how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it is through choice of challenge, of how they record, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
- Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy has revolved around Core Values such as ‘Respect’, and pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown.
- Posters around the school promote respect for others and this is reiterated through our classroom and learning rules, as well as our behaviour policy.
- We actively promote respect for our environment and we have an Eco team which meets every week in order to discuss ways of improving our local environment and tackle wider global issues.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:
- This is achieved through enhancing of children’s’ understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity.
- Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying are followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE.
- We use whole school assemblies as a chance to introduce the children to a range of different celebrations and religious festivals e.g. Chinese New Year, Christmas, Easter, Diwali, Eid etc.
- Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.
- We have established pupil ‘Language Ambassadors’ to take a lead in welcoming new pupils of different cultures and beliefs.
- At Ravensthorpe we take part in annual Poppy Day commemorations where children have made or can purchase poppies and a minute’s silence is held in special assemblies for the school.
- On a more general level, the school undertakes daily assemblies/circle times which uphold traditional values of empathy, respect and tolerance. These are also taught within formal SEAL, PSHE and RE lessons and on an informal nature throughout the school days.
- Visits to different places of worship.
- Visitors from other faiths in classes and assemblies.