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British Values

In 2014, the Department for Education published guidance on promoting British values in schools to ensure young people leave school prepared for life in modern Britain. These 5 values are:

Democracy:

Democracy is alive within the school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our councils; GSPS Ambassadors, Eco and Travel. The children are asked their views through discussions with Governors, staff and pupil questionnaires. The elections of Councillors, House Captains, plus the winner of the Class Star of the Week are based solely on pupil votes. 

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 the school day, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. 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 are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message. 

Individual Liberty: 

Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. The UNICEF Rights of the Child are central to how we relate to each other. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advise how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make choices safety, through of provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Whether it be through choice of challenge, of how they record, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices. 

Mutual Respect: 

Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy has revolved around Core Values such as ‘Respect and Responsibility’, and the children are part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown. Posters around the school sites promote respect for others and this is reiterated through our classroom and the children's creation of their own classroom charters learning rules, as well as our behaviour policy. 

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs: 

This is achieved through enhancing pupils' understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity.  Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE.  Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.