British Values 

At Shield Road we ensure that through our school vision, values, rules, curriculum and teaching we promote tolerance and respect for all cultures, faiths and lifestyles. We believe that we have a duty to prepare our children for life in modern Britain and to keep them safe.

The Department for Education have stated 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 Shield Road these British Values are reinforced in the following ways:

Democracy

Children have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. We value the voice of our children and promote democratic processes such as our school council whose members are voted for by the children. Ideas and events are planned and discussed with a chance for debate, giving opportunities for different points of view. For example, class activities linked to Parliamentary General Election, playground design.

The 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. Children are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when rules and laws are broken. We also have visits from the local police community support officers and have established links with the nearby 

Individual Liberty

Within school, children 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 children to make choices safely, through provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Children 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 and PSHE lessons  Whether it be through choice of challenge, of how they record, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, or children organised and run charity events and competitions, children are given the freedom to make choices.

Mutual Respect

Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. Our Behaviour Policy engenders our basic belief in mutual respect. This is integral in classroom rules.  All staff in school promote and demonstrate respect for others and this is also reflected in older students in their roles. Achievement is celebrated across the school through our Friday Celebration assemblies, our website and through school newsletters. 

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

Shield Road is within a diverse community which we celebrate. Therefore we place a great emphasis on promoting diversity with the children. Our RE and PSHE teaching reinforce this. Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs is promoted in RE as children gain a greater understanding of religious diversity and practices for those religions represented in the UK. .

How do we celebrate British Values

As a whole school, Remembrance Day celebrations are held annually where children purchase poppies and a minute’s silence is held across the school.

We hold a traditional Harvest Assembly and distribute the produce to our local community.

Every Christmas we have a  Christmas services at a local church. We have celebrated the World Cup and the Olympics.

We celebrate and learn about British traditions and those of other cultures and religions.

We take part regularly in a range of community events.