British Values – Clifton Community School

British Values

The Department for Education have recently 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.’

The Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent strategy, and these values have been reiterated in 2014. At Clifton Community School these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy

Pupils are listened to and taught to listen carefully to others. Pupils are taught to respect the rights of individuals and have their voices and opinions heard. They are taught to discuss issues in a balanced and calm way.

Each year the school reviews the school rules to ensure that they are still relevant.

The rule of law

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school or the country are consistently reinforced at Clifton.

Pupils are taught the value of the school rules. Pupils are taught the value and the reason behind the rules and the laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibility this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as local councillors, Police and the fire service help to reinforce this message.

Individual liberty

At Clifton, children are actively encourage to make the right choices, knowing they are in a safe and supportive environment. Children are expected to take responsibility for their own actions and to understand the consequence their actions might have. We educate and provide boundaries for pupils to enable them to make informed choices, through a safe and supportive environment. The understanding of rights and responsibilities are promoted through acts of e-safety, PSHE.

Mutual respect

Mutual respect is a core value at Clifton. Pupils 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 of different faiths and beliefs

Clifton school is situated in an area that is culturally diverse. The school recognises its role in preparing pupils for life in modern Britain. We actively promote celebrations of different faiths and cultures. Our religious education curriculum is designed following guidance from the agreed Rotherham syllabus. Through Religious Education and personal & social education we reinforce messages of tolerance and respect.

The curriculum

Staff regularly review the curriculum to ensure that it promotes the areas above. It also ensures that pupils are taught about key events and figures in history. Events during the year celebrate culturally diverse occasions and memorable events taking place in the country.

At Clifton Community School we will actively challenge children, staff or parents who express opinions that are contrary to fundamental British values including extremists views.