British Values
The DfE have reinforced 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.”The Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values were were reiterated in 2014. Headfield CE (C) Junior School is founded on the Christian faith and our continual focus on our faith values helps ensure British values are promoted. As a Church School, with a Muslim population of 98% we recognise the importance of teaching our pupils mutual respect for those of different or of no faith, and the shared values of Christianity and Islam.Our Religious Education Programme follows the Kirklees agreed syllabus and focuses on the three faiths of Christianity, Islam and Judaism. At Headfield CE (C) Junior School these values are reinforced regularly in the following ways:
Democracy
At the beginning of the school year all classes in school vote on who should represent their class within the School Council. The School Council meets weekly to discuss issues raised in class and on the playground.The children are given numerous opportunities to do public service throughout school as well as being on the School Council. E.g. Prefects, Head Boy & Head Girl, Reading Buddies and Office Helpers.Pupils are staff are given a voice and we constantly listen to and encourage their views to help further strengthen our school community.Our ex local MP Paula Sheriff visits Headfield and shares her experience of everyday life in politics. Pupils ask questions and are given a great insight into life in The House of Commons.
During collective worship each week pupils learn about current topics in the news through a resource called Picture News. These often reflect democracy in both the UK and worldwide. Newsround is also used as a teaching resource to learn about our democratic country and what that means for British people.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country are consistently reinforced throughout the school day, when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. Pupils are taught the value and reason behind the laws that govern and protect us, the responsibility that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken.Mentoring, our school policies grounded in our faith values, excellent links with our local Policing team and gangs workshops in Y6 ensure pupils understand the importance of living within the law and the consequences that can happen if people choose to break the law.
Individual Liberty
Within school pupils are actively encouraged to make choices knowing they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make safe choices through the provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms for example through PSHE and e-safety lessons.
Mutual Respect
Mutual respect is at the heart of all our values. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own right and the rights of others. All members of the school community are expected to treat each other with respect. Staff are expected to be good role models at all times.
Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
At Headfield we will actively challenge pupils, parents or staff expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British values, including extremist views. As part our R.E./Interfaith work all children will have an opportunity to visit a variety of places of worship and some classes are given the opportunity to work with other local schools with children from different backgrounds. Sporting activities also create fantastic opportunities to work together in teams with other children different faiths and beliefs.