British Values
Democracy
Milburn Primary School is a democratic school. Each year the children discuss their class charter and the rights associated with these. All the children contribute to the drawing up of the charter.
Children have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. We have a school council which meets regularly to discuss issues, this includes all children in school.
We hold school elections where the children write their own manifestos, vote and elect class My Happy Mind ambassadors.
Children have an opportunity to share their opinions through Pupil Voice and Pupil questionnaires. (For example – Pupil Voice questionnaire for assemblies)
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 and Fire Service 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 safely, 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, My Happy Mind and PSHE lessons. Whether it is through choice of learning challenge, of how they record, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices. Our curriculum is built around understanding and challenging stereotypes and different viewpoints.
Mutual Respect
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.
Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs
Milburn is situated in an area which is not culturally diverse; therefore we place a great emphasis on ensuring that children understand, experience and respect diversity. Assemblies are regularly planned to address this either directly or through the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures. Our RE and PSHE teaching reinforce this. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. Children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths. Our curriculum reflects our understanding of British Values as well as our understanding of a multi-cultural society; subjects such as History, Geography, Art, Literacy as well as RE and PSHE all give opportunities for children to research, experience and learn about events, British traditions, laws and the influence of other cultures within our society. In Religious Education, students study Judaism, Christianity, and Islam and all of these major faiths base their values on the ‘Ten Commandments’, which also underpin our British rule of law.
At Milburn, we will actively challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views. Staff and Governors closely monitor any issues arising.
