British Values
At our school, we recognise not just the importance of allowing children to flourish academically but we also embrace our wider role in preparing them for their adult life in modern day Britain. Part of our role in that preparation is ensuring that we promote and reinforce British Values to all our children.
Democracy
At Banks Road Primary School, the principle of democracy is consistently reinforced, with the democratic process being employed for important decisions within the school community. Children have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. An example of this is the elections that are held for School Council Representatives where pupils can see, first hand, how the democratic process works. The School Council meets regularly to discuss issues arising. The council has its own budget.
Children have an annual questionnaire with which they are able to put forward their views about the school.
From a curricular point of view, the principle of democracy is further explored through themes in assembly such as civil rights and through the history and English curriculum.
Rule of Law
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the individual, class, school, or country, are consistently reinforced throughout the curriculum including through assemblies and through our school behaviour policy. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws and the consequences when laws are broken. Children participate actively, contributing to their Class Rules, and sharing their views and opinions through School Council.
Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help reinforce this message.
Individual Liberty
Children are actively encouraged to make independent choices knowing that they are in a safe, secure and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for pupils to make the choices safely, through provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Our children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights, responsibilities and personal freedoms and receive advice about how to exercise these safely, for example through our exploration of Online Safety in computing and PSHE lessons. We give our pupils the means to listen, articulate their ideas and make informed choices.
We hold a range of extra-curricular activities including football, cross country, debating, dance and choir which allow pupils to be given the freedom to make choices for themselves. This is extended with opportunities for participation in events within the community or with other schools i.e. inter-schools sport competitions, fundraising events and support of charities.
Respect & Tolerance
Respect is at the core of our school ethos and is modelled by all members of community. Mutual respect is embraced throughout the curriculum from the concept of ‘fair play’ in PE to our playground play-leaders. We strive to ensure that pupils receive rich experiences to develop their knowledge and understanding of different faiths and beliefs and to promote tolerance and to celebrate diversity. Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying are addressed. Anti-bullying or ‘Friendship’ week is an annual event on our school calendar.
We strive to keep parents and carers informed and involved by providing a respectful and informed communication system (newsletters, workshops, website, stay and play, home visits and curriculum plans).
Opportunities For All
Equal opportunities are enshrined in all of our policies and practices at Banks Road Primary School.
Should you feel that the school is not meeting these requirements, you should contact the school office and request to express your concerns with the Headteacher. Likewise, if you feel that anyone working at the school is undermining these values you should report this to the H