We actively promote British values and actively challenge pupils, staff or parents who express opinions contrary to fundamental British values, including ‘extremist’ views. Below are some examples of how we promote British values.

 

Being Part of Britain

As a school, we value and celebrate the diverse heritage of all at Weetwood Primary School and what it means to be part of British society. Throughout the year, we celebrate traditions such as Harvest, Remembrance Sunday, Christmas, Easter, Diwali, Eid, Vaisakhi and Hanukah.  At Christmas, the Nativity is performed by all the children in Foundation Stage, KS1 and Lower Key Stage 2. Upper Key Stage 2 present traditional carols and readings in an evening performance.

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In addition, we also value and celebrate national events including Remembrance Day and the Queen’s birthday. Furthermore, children learn about being part of Britain from different perspectives. Two specific examples about being part of Britain through the History curriculum. The programme of study focuses on Britain as the children learn about World War 1, the Victorians and local history pertinent to Yorkshire.

 

Democracy

Children, parents and staff have many opportunities for their voices to be heard at Weetwood Primary School. An obvious example of this is our Junior Leadership Council (JLC) which encompasses around 80 children of all ages. The election of the JLC reflects the British electoral system and democracy in action. Candidates are invited to make speeches and write manifestos and/or letters of application. Pupils consider characteristics important for the specific JLC role and a secret vote takes place. Each strand of the JLC meets regularly to discuss issues raised by the different classes and are provided with opportunities to genuinely affect change within the school. They meet with the Senior Leadership team to share their plans/concerns.

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Many of our pupils identify charities to support throughout the year and they plan fundraising events to raise funds. As a school, we raise funds for two local charities – Sunshine and Smiles and Zarach. This is a very important part of the ethos at Weetwood Primary School.

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Weetwood Primary School is a school where pupils are listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and with concern and compassion to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard. There is a strong sense of community at school – we encourage pupils to take ownership of not only their school but of their learning and progress.

 

Rules and Laws

The importance of rules and laws, whether they govern our school or our country, are referred to and reinforced often, through assemblies and day to day classroom teaching. At the start of the school year, each class discusses and sets its own agreed rules, a clear set of principles that are clearly understood by all and seen to be necessary to ensure that every class member is able to learn in a safe and ordered environment.

 

Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern us and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves, and the consequences when laws are broken. These values are reinforced in different ways:

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• Visits from authorities such as the police and fire service.

• During Religious Education, when rules for particular faiths are considered.

• During other aspects of the curriculum, where there is respect and appreciation for different rules – in a sports lesson for example.

• Children who are particularly good role models and highlight the ethos of school in their actions receive Weetwood Always children certificates which recognises their contribution to the school.

 

Individual Liberty

In addition to the above, we promote freedom of choice and the right to respectfully express views and beliefs. Through the provision of a safe, supportive environment and empowering education, we provide boundaries for our young pupils to make choices safely, for example:

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• Choices about what learning challenge or activity they undertake.

• Choices about how they record their learning.

• Participation in competitions both internal and external including specific subject challenges and sporting opportunities.

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Our pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are taught how to exercise these safely.

 

Mutual Respect and Tolerance

The population of Weetwood Primary School is increasingly diverse. As a school, we are proud to promote and celebrate our different backgrounds and beliefs. Mutual respect is at the heart of our aims and ethos. Our pupils know and understand that they are expected to show respect to everyone, whatever differences they may have. They are also taught to respect the school environment and the world around them. Children learn that their behaviour choices have an effect on school and society and that they must be equipped with the skills to make the right choices.Pupils’ understanding and respect for different faiths and beliefs are developed through aspects of the curriculum including:

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• Religious Education

• PSHE

• Assemblies

• School Council

 

All adults model the appropriate behavior and the school challenges anyone at any level who is intolerant, disrespectful or behaves in a way which is contrary to the ethos of Weetwood Primary School. The school’s ethos is shared with parents/carers through twice-monthly Headteacher’s newsletters, letters from staff and assemblies.

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