Promoting British values 

The DfE have reinforced the need to ‘create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.’

At St Augustine's, these values are planned, delivered and reinforced regularly through a broad and balanced curriculum including within RHE and RE but also through the ethos of the school. Examples are given below.

Democracy

At St Augustine's, children, parents/carers and staff have many opportunities for their voices to be heard: democracy is central to how we operate.

Pupils are involved in democratic processes, from choosing a book or activity to selecting children to represent the class at School Council. The School Council meets throughout the year ensuring children are able to express their views.

The school values pupil voice and we ask the pupils about their learning, their concerns and for their ideas about how we can make things better for them. We do this by using pupil questionnaires and small group sessions.

Parents are able to voice their ideas and opinions through a wide range of channels, including our weekly parent pop-in sessions with school leaders. These are intended to allow parents more of an opportunity to contribute, engage and shape school life. 

The Rule of Law

At St Augustine's, we discuss the importance of rules and laws at a variety of levels, from those that govern our school right up to those that govern our country. These laws are referred to and reinforced regularly such as in assemblies and when reflecting on behaviour choices. 

Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws (to govern and protect us), the responsibilities that this involves, and the consequences when laws are broken.

These values are reinforced in different ways:

• During RHE lessons when we use a range resources to promote moral, spiritual, social and cultural awareness among our pupils.

• Visits from authorities such as the police and fire service

• During other school subjects, where there is respect and appreciation for different rules – in a sports lesson, for example.

Our Behaviour Policy sets out our expectations for behaviour in school, and individual classes can agree their own classroom rules as appropriate.

Individual Liberty

Alongside rules and laws, at St Augustine's we promote freedom of choice and the right to respectfully express views and beliefs. Through the provision of a safe, supportive environment and empowering education, we provide boundaries for our young pupils to make choices safely.  

For example:

• Choices around the participation in extra-curricular activities
• Choices and rights outside of the school gates
• Choices about learning challenges or activities
• Choices about how they record their learning
• Choices about their preferences and views

Our pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and informed how to exercise these safely, for example through our Online Safety and RHE lessons.

Mutual Respect and Acceptance of other Faiths and Beliefs

At St Augustine's, adults actively model respect with one another and the children, in how we speak and treat one another. Children learn that their behaviour choices have an effect on their own rights and those of others. Our Behaviour Policy encompasses respecting others.
 

At St Augustine's, we celebrate our cultural diversity. We also ensure that children are aware of different cultures and beliefs that they might not be exposed to within the local area. Through our R.E curriculum, we promote an awareness of different faiths and we encourage our pupils to recognise and understand these faiths.

We use assemblies, workshops and themed weeks such as Anti-Bullying Week to raise and discuss issues of bullying and prejudice and reinforce learning during curriculum time.

We subscribe to First News, to ensure pupils have access to information about topical issues.