How does Townfield Primary School promote the British Values?

In accordance with the DfE guidance of promoting fundamental British values in schools, Townfield Primary School has developed approaches which teach children about British values in several ways:

At Townfield Primary School, we value the diverse ethnic backgrounds of all 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, appreciation and respect for the differences in our community and the wider world. Underpinning all of this is a range of curriculum topics, which have strong links to the British Empire. At Townfield Primary School, these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy

Democracy is well established within the school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council and pupil questionnaires. The elections of school councillors, decisions about books ordered, design of the library, the purchase of playground equipment etc. are all carried out through a democratic vote. Our school behaviour policy involves rewards, which the pupils decide upon.

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, is consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school collective worship. Pupils are taught the value of 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.

Individual Liberty

Within school, 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 choices regarding safety, through provision of a safe environment and 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 E-Safety and PSHCE lessons and assemblies. Furthermore, children are encouraged to exercise their freedom of choice when deciding upon a level of suitable challenge in lessons, choosing how they record their learning, or electing to participate in one of our numerous extra-curricular clubs.

Mutual Respect

Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy has revolved around mutual respect. 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 expectations, as well as our behaviour policy. Through our induction procedures for new pupils and families, our ethos of mutual respect is a high priority.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

This is achieved through enhancing pupils 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 have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHCE. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. Visits to local places of worship are carried out to enrich the RE and PSHCE curricula.