British Values
There has been a great deal of educational focus on British Values in recent times.
We believe our school has always embodied the values of:
> Democracy
> The Rule of Law
> Individual Liberty and Freedom of Speech
> Mutual Respect
> Religious Freedom and Tolerance of those with different faiths, beliefs and for those without faith
However, given the current changing social climate in Britain, we have paid close attention to how these are shared with the children, and how we may explicitly teach them.
We are very aware that we need to work extra hard to help our children understand what it is like to live in a multi-cultural society, given our village does not represent the sort of social mix our children will encounter in later life, should they move away to a bigger urban environment. In order to make sure each area is given appropriate attention, we have a "Picture News" assembly every week to discuss a topical issue and relate it to a specific value, so the children understand them in context, not in isolation. See below how Picture News works...
If you have experiences to share with the children that could help us in this respect, please let us know. For example, a Grandad of one of our families introduced us to an old friend who came to school and shared his stories of childhood despair as an evacuee in WW2. Another family, who actively practise a faith which isn't Christian, have shared their special celebrations. At first with their child's class (to enhance the children's wider social perspectives) but then with other classes to enhance the understanding of their creed and culture..
To read some more about how this takes place as part of our teaching of personal, social and emotional learning, and citizenship lessons please see: http://www.billingborough.lincs.sch.uk/personal-social-health-education-pshe/
What's in the News?
Since the Autumn term of 2017 we have begun a new initiative to embed the children's understanding of British Values. In conjunction with Picture News (http://www.picture-news.co.uk/) we discuss a topical new question and how it relates to a British Value. The conversations take place over two weeks in special assemblies pitched at the Early Years, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.
As we have used the picture news resource over time we have enhanced the way we utilise it, adding a vocabulary focus and buying in to their early years package too. This enables the whole school to discuss the same question on a fortnightly basis. This year we will roll out the option of discussion homework, based around the weekly question.
Using topical images and thought provoking questions the children are able to consider the importance of British values in the real world. We don not expect the pupils to learn the values by rote, but we do anticipate they join in the discussion and have a point of view.
Such an understanding of British and world perspectives should enhance our children's own moral resilience and as a result their ability to challenge extreme view points and ideologies.