British Values
At Greenmeadow Primary School, we actively promote British Values, as defined under the Ofsted guidance 2014, through our school ethos, agreed rules, curriculum and teaching. This indicates that schools should:
‘promote tolerance of and respect for people of all faiths (or those of no faith), cultures and lifestyles; and support and help, through their words, actions and influence within the school and more widely in the community, to prepare children and young people positively for life in modern Britain’.
The government define these values as:
- Democracy
- Rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Mutual respect
- Tolerance of those of different faiths
At Greenmeadow, we are proud of our ethos and feel our school reflects the values of Modern Britain. We value the diverse ethnic backgrounds of all our pupils and families and undertake a variety of events and lessons to celebrate these. We have found this approach to be enriching for all parties as it teaches tolerance and respect for the differences in our community and the wider world. Relevant curricular links are made to Swindon and Britain and its place in history. We would actively challenge children, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views.
Ways in which we have promoted these values include the following:
- We have a school council where elected members represent and share the views of the children across the school. Historically, the school council have been involved in many activities including senior leadership staff appointments, supporting with designing playground equipment and designs and leading on some of the charitable work that the school undertakes. These include charities close to our school community such as the Swindon Foodbank and national ones such as celebrating Remembrance Day or Children in Need.
- Our assembly planning promotes our school core values which reflect how respect is at the core of all we do. These values are promoted through assemblies, in our daily lives and support the work in our PSHE curriculum. Our assemblies cover a wide range of topics including values and faith celebrations. Through this work, we have a greater understanding of each other and awareness of what influences and shapes our daily lives.
- Our Jigsaw PSHE scheme allows planned opportunities to develop topics such as being me in my world, celebrating differences, dreams and goals, healthy me, relationships and changing me. These units enable children to develop a greater understanding of themselves, those around them and across Britain. Themes covered include what represents modern Britain and how we are both similar and different.
- Visits from authorities such as the Police etc. are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce the importance of laws and rules. In the broad and balanced curriculum that we deliver there is opportunity to discuss these.
- Pupils are actively encouraged and supported to make informed choices, to know and exercise their rights and personal freedom. The importance of safety is addressed for example through our e-safety policy or through our understanding of how we stay safe whilst working safely in Forest School.
- Our approach towards behaviour encourages tolerance and mutual respect. We talk through behaviours in order to learn and support each other.
- Historically we have celebrated key British events such as Remembrance day where we encourage our school members who belong to Beaver, Cub, Scout, Rainbow, Brownies or Guides to wear their uniforms with pride. We are looking forward to celebrating the Queen's Jubilee celebrations.
