Fundamental British Values 

The Department for Education states that 'There is a need to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote fundamental British Values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.’

 

 

The Fundamental British Values are: 

 

• Democracy 
• Rule of law 
• Individual liberty 
• Mutual respect 
• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs 

 

How this is done at Langley Mill Academy?

At Langley Mill Academy, we value the diversity and backgrounds of our entire school community and the wider world. Our school reflects British Values in all that we do. We aim to nurture our pupils on their journey through life so they can grow into safe, generous, democratic, responsible and respectful adults who make a positive difference to British society and to the world. We encourage our pupils to recognise and celebrate their differences and uniqueness. Our curriculum will provide windows and mirrors to the world to recognise that not all countries hold these values and that the lessons of history show that these values had to be fought for - they are precious. 

Democracy

 In our context, democracy is defined as all members of the school community having the right to to have their voices heard and their views considered. At Langley Mill, we achieve this through the use of our School Council- Class representatives are chosen during a voting process. Other teams, including Diversity Ambassadors and the Sustainability Team, also contribute towards decisions on behalf of the school whilst working alongside subject leads and members of the Senior Leadership Team. Finally, children, parents and staff are regularly asked to contribute their thoughts via questionnaires and meetings.

 

Through our RSHE curriculum, children are regularly reminded that they are allowed to have opposing opinions and are encouraged to speak out if they disagree with something as long as this is done in a mature and respectful manner - in line with our intrinsic school values.  As part of the RSHE curriculum Year 4 receive a visit from a local councillor and ask questions about their role and local issues.  

Rule of Law

   

The importance of law and rules is referred to and reinforced to teach students to distinguish between right and wrong. Through the use of our school rule of 'Respect' and the restorative action taken in reflective conversations, children learn to take responsibility for their own actions. Children are taught the difference between laws and rules and the reasons behind rules, how they protect us and the consequences of what happens when they are broken. This is also reflected in the wider curriculum and referenced class expectations / rules  are established. 

Classes are encouraged to make their own suggestions for change through School Council and other pupil voice opportunities. Children have the opportunity to take part in Bikeability which supports them to make sensible decisions when in the local community and keep themselves safe. Online safety is explicitly taught through our computing curriculum units. 

We encourage the local police officer/PCSO to visit the school to talk to the children and explain about their role in society and have regularly accessed this opportunity to support specific pupils. The Fire Service come into school to talk about safety in and out of the home & our Year 6 pupils undertake a Life Skills Education Programme which equips young people with a range of knowledge and skills which they can use as the transition to secondary and beyond.

Individual Liberty

  Individual Liberty is defined as having freedom of choice and the right to respectfully express views and beliefs in a safe environment. Through our personal development curriculum, the following concepts are taught to all children: self-expression, diplomacy and perspective. They are encouraged to stand up for themselves and share their opinions whilst always being considerate of how their words could impact those around them. Children are taught about key figures and we celebrate those who are brave enough to stand up for what is right.

Mutual Respect and Tolerance

 

Mutual respect means treating other people with dignity and recognising their value. Being tolerant or behaving with tolerance means to accept other people's differences - particularly in reference to the nine protected characteristics. These are classed as one British Value because the two are so deeply relevant to each other and it is almost impossible to demonstrate one without the other. The concept of respect is embedded thoroughly in every aspect of school life: it is one of our intrinsic school values. All members of our school community are expected to share the school's values and these are celebrated weekly with our community and awards winners in every Friday assembly. 

Tolerance is referenced throughout the curriculum, both in terms of personal development and through lessons such as PSHE, RE and History. Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs is promoted through the Locally Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education. Children learn about different religions, their beliefs, places of worship, how they pray and festivals. The children’s work on this subject is often displayed in the classrooms or around the school. We study key figures, including Walter Tull (one of our class names) and learn the lessons of history. 

Our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Team represent pupils from across the school. We teach children that the freedom to choose and hold other faiths and beliefs is protected in law and we have high expectations about pupil conduct: this is reflected in our Behaviour Policy.

As a school we celebrate diversity. This is supplemented by whole school collective worship which, although mainly Christian in nature, also marks and celebrates significant religious festivals such as Ramadan and Diwali. Children have the opportunity to visit places of worship & a Faith Centre Walk around Derby will be held for our Year 4 pupils in the Autumn Term. 

Other Values

 As seen on the 'Our Values' page of the 'Our School' tab, we have specified our own values which complement the British Values listed above, underpin our ethos and are evident throughout all aspects of our curriculum 

We actively promote British Values by challenging pupils, staff or parents who express opinions contrary to British values. We model values through what we say and do and teach British Values explicitly and implicitly through our school assemblies.