British Values
Here at Easington Colliery Primary School we aim to prepare our pupils to become global citizens and to live life in modern Britain. We do this by encouraging our children to embrace the fundamental British Values which we actively promote in school.
The four British values are as follows:
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Democracy
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Rule of Law
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Individual Liberty
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Mutual Respect and Tolerance of those with Different Faiths and Beliefs
These British values are embedded within our curriculum, across the whole school. They are also incorporated in the school ethos, policies, weekly class assemblies, special events, cultural celebrations, pupil groups, trips, visitors and community links.
Democracy
We uphold the British value of Democracy by ensuring pupil voice is heard and valued in school. It is important that children have understood how democracy has shaped modern Britain, how the democratic process has evolved through history and how the lack of democracy can affect people globally. Where possible, we encourage children to become involved in decision making, ranging from pin-pointing the intent of our curriculum to choosing the class novel we read. Our democratically-selected ECPS ambassadors have regular meetings to make valuable contributions to and discuss ideas for the development of the school on behalf of their peers, as well as make and foster meaningful relationships within the community.
Rule of Law
We uphold the British value of the Rule of Law by helping pupils understand the differences between right and wrong, and that there are consequences for the their actions. Throughout daily school life and explicitly in PSHE and RSHE lessons, the children develop their knowledge of actions and responsibilities. Visits from authorities, such as our local PCSO and fire service, are key in our journey and help reinforce these messages. Respect for those that uphold and enforce the law is encouraged, as is an understanding that rules and laws are in place to help protect us as individuals. Pupils are reminded of what they can expect of the school and what we, as a school, expect of them (Behaviour Policy). Our children understand the meaning and purpose of our school rules – Ready, Respectful and Safe. Weekly, we celebrate those who have demonstrated our school rules in our Key Stage assemblies.
Individual Liberty
We uphold the British value of Individual Liberty by teaching an understanding of the concept of freedom and choice, also acknowledging that with this freedom comes personal responsibility; the responsibility that we won’t hurt or offend others with our spoken words and actions. Individual liberty encapsulates the freedom of speech, the freedom to make choices and decisions about ourselves and the freedom to our own opinion. (UNICEF Children’s rights) . We actively promote these rights throughout the school day, but particularly within our PSHE, RSHE and Picture News assemblies, where children are guided to respectfully discuss and listen to one another regarding opinions, beliefs, ideas and current news topics. Through our E-safety learning and RSHE, we educate children on their rights and personal freedoms as well as supporting them in recognising how to exercise these freedoms safely. Furthermore, we ensure our extra-curricular provision provides both equal and enriching opportunities for children to choose from to develop themselves and their skills.
Mutual Respect
We uphold the British value of Mutual Respect by maintaining and enforcing the expectation that all members of the school community demonstrate a respectful attitude at all times. Mutual respectful is at the core of our school ethos and sits within our three school rules. At Easington Colliery Primary School, the children learn to treat each other and staff with respect. Children are encouraged to showcase their learning from home on Google Classroom and contribute respectful comments about the work of their peers. Through our curriculum, E-safety learning and international events (e.g. anti-bullying week), children are taught to value the differences in themselves and others and most importantly show respect to all.
Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
We uphold the value of Tolerance of those of different faith and beliefs by enhancing pupils’ understanding of their place in such a diverse society. This is rooted in an acceptance that modern Britain is multi-cultural and multi-faith. We acknowledge that no religion is right or wrong and that we should all be valued as human beings and treated with equal respect and consideration, in doing so, promoting respect and tolerance for all protected characteristics.
