British Values at Newlands
British Values underpin every aspect of our school day, as do our RESPECT school values.
British Values are more than simply statements, they are a mind-set for all of us that defines our nation. The way we uphold these values defines our school.
Democracy
Children, parents and staff have many opportunities for their voices to be heard at Newlands.
We complete staff, parent and pupil questionnaires regularly so all interested groups can share their views, make suggestions and influence future planning for our school.
Pupils are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard. We encourage pupils to take ownership of not only their school but also of their own learning and progress. This encourages a heightened sense of both personal and social responsibility which is demonstrated on a daily basis by our pupils.
We have a school council which meets regularly to discuss issues raised in class council meetings. Council members for each year group are voted in by their peers.
At the start of each academic year, pupils vote to decide on the Head Boy and Head Girl of the school. These are then representatives for the school for activities such as meeting guests.
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.
At the start of the school year, each class discusses the school rules and class routines, principles that are clearly understood by all and seen to be necessary to ensure that every class member is able to learn in a safe and ordered environment, these rules are displayed in each class along with our school values.
Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken.
Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help reinforce this message.
Individual Liberty
Alongside our rules, we promote freedom of choice and the right to respectfully express our views and beliefs. Through the provision of a safe, supportive environment, we provide boundaries for our pupils to make choices safely;
for example:
•choices about how they can improve their learning
•choices around the participation in extra-curricular activities
Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through PSHE lessons.
Children make choices about clubs and sporting events they engage in.
In class, pupils often make personal decisions about their level of challenge.
Children in Year 6 are given key roles and responsibilities such as Playground Buddies, Reading Buddies, Sports Ambassadors and Prefects.
Through opportunities such as our extra-curricular clubs, Golden Time and Residential Trips, pupils are given the freedom to make safe choices.
Respect and Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Mutual respect is at the heart of our school values.
We have high expectations for the behaviour of everyone at Newlands.
All members of the school community are expected to be polite, kind and respectful.
We teach the children that conflict will be dealt with calmly and fairly. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others.
We often remind children of their four rights within our school:
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The right to have fun
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The right to learn
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The right to have a voice
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The right to be safe
We celebrate each other’s achievements, whether that be in or out of school, through our weekly Celebration Assemblies.
When our older children are given key roles and responsibilities to work alongside younger children this helps to promote mutual respect across the age phases. E.g. Reading buddies, Playground Buddies
Our RE and PSHE curriculum ensures that our children have a good understanding of a range of religious beliefs and customs and reinforces our emphasis on respect for those with different faiths or cultures to our own.
These lessons also encourage children to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life. Children are encouraged to share their own experiences when celebrating their own faith.
We will always challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour and encourage children to think critically if they are presented with such opinions.