British Values

The ability to communicate is the most important area of learning. We ensure that pupils are given a ‘voice’ to communicate. The method of using this ‘voice’ could be using words, objects, photographs, pictures, symbols, touch cues, eye pointing, or body language. We empower our pupils by giving them opportunities to make choices about the things that they believe to be important. By valuing each ‘voice’ and by listening to and responding to that voice, we demonstrate that we support democracy and liberty. Pupils learn about democracy in society today and the implications for individuals when it is not present. In weekly assemblies with the school’s leadership team, look at current news both locally and globally.

We involve pupils in setting codes of behaviour and helping them make decisions and choices that are acceptable to the academy community and society at large. Pupils are helped to learn to manage their behaviour and take responsibility for their actions. Staff are committed to providing a consistent and predictable environment within the school and beyond. We can help some pupils understand the connection between actions and consequences. This type of environment enables pupils to feel safe and secure, which in turn promotes the optimum conditions for learning to take place.

Pupils at Hill View Primary School are encouraged to become good and valued citizens. We achieve this by supporting each pupil to become as independent as possible. We endeavour to demonstrate that everyone has rights, including the right to say ‘no’ when appropriate. Some pupils will be able to take responsibility for particular roles and understand that with certain rights comes a level of responsibility. Learning to do things independently is an important part of learning to understand yourself. We support others by participating in local community events and charitable events such as Red Nose Day/ Comic Relief Day, Children in Need, Remembrance collections, and supporting local charities. We believe that engendering a caring and helpful environment and learning to be independent can boost and nurture healthy self-esteem.

We promote each pupil’s inclusion, where possible, in a range of activities, settings, and locations. The children in Early Years have opportunities to integrate with other children. As pupils move into the other Key Stages, further planned events and circumstances are planned for pupils to go into the community to meet with a range of people in a variety of situations, which include sports events, community events, and shared participation with other schools within our local partnership of schools or within the United Learning Group. It is important to facilitate opportunities for schools to be part of the local, national, and global communities. Pupils, families, and staff have much to offer in the development of community cohesion.

We serve a multi-faith community where each person is respected and valued equally without regard to ability, gender, faith, heritage, or race. Cultural appreciation and development form part of our curriculum. We place great emphasis on providing encounters and participation in events and celebrations to broaden all pupils’ experiences and awareness of others. Our assemblies help all pupils find out about themselves and others, linking their lives to the communities to which they belong. The themes cover areas such as friendships, helping others, and celebrations from a range of faiths and world events.

Pupils are encouraged to experience British culture through our curriculum themes. Schools take part in local NOSSP sporting activities, which help to instill ‘fair play’ and engender a ’team spirit’. The staff work closely with parents, carers, and other professionals to ensure that the pupils are happy, well cared for, and enabled to learn the skills they need to live a fulfilling life as part of their community. British values are at the core of all aspects of school life at Hill View School. We value and celebrate the diverse heritage of all members of our school community. Furthermore, we value being part of Britain. We do this by celebrating traditions such as: Remembrance during the Autumn term; the occasional trip to a pantomime around Christmas; summer fetes; and sports days.

Our assemblies help all pupils to find out about themselves and others linking their lives to the communities in which they belong. The themes cover areas such as friendships, helping others, and celebrations, from a range of faiths and world events.

Through the RS curriculum the children explore ‘big questions’ such as, what does it mean to be a Hindu in Britain today? The RS curriculum encourages children to reflect on the beliefs and values of different religions and appreciate how a community full of different religions can work together. Through this, children develop and acceptance that people having different faiths or beliefs to oneself (or having none) should be accepted, tolerated and celebrated.

Through the Geography curriculum children learn about Britain as part of the United Kingdom (identifying its position in the world and exploring its natural and man-made features) they also learn about their local environment through localised studies of the school grounds and the local community.

Throughout a child’s school life they will develop an understanding of British history. Children learn about the people, events, troubles, and successes that have shaped the country (e.g. Winston Churchill, Norman invasions, WW2, the great fire of London). The study of British history, as well as the history of other countries enables children to understand the value of individual liberty, mutual respect, and democracy.

Trips are an important part of learning which enrich children’s learning by providing real life experiences as well as developing their understanding of British values. As a school we also welcome visitors from authors, to sports men, and members of the local community. We invite parents in to talk to children and share their religious beliefs and practise or life experiences. All of these experiences develop children’s tolerance and understanding of different beliefs and ways of life.

We ensure all pupils within the school have a voice that is listen to and demonstrate how democracy works by actively promoting democratic processes such as a school council whose members are voted for my pupils. We also use opportunities such as the general or local election to hold mock elections to promote fundamental British values and provide pupils with the opportunity to learn how to argue and defend their points of view.