British Values

Parkwood Academy

British Values at Parkwood Academy

We help children to remember the British Values through the thumb and finger model

Thumb – Democracy – up or down to give opinion.

Index finger – Rule of Law – pointing

Middle finger – Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs – tallest finger pointing to God.

Ring Finger – Mutual respect – wedding ring – respect for other people

Little finger – Individual Liberty – sticks out on its own.

Democracy – what do we do?

  • Class voting for the election of school councillors at the start of the year;
  • Provide pupils with a broad general knowledge of, and promote respect for, public institutions and services;
  • Teach pupils how they can influence decision-making through the democratic process;
  • Taught through assemblies and our school curriculum;
  • Taught through our careers week, with visits from public services and Little City
  • Encourage pupils to become involved in decision-making processes and ensure they are listened to in school;
  • Help pupils to express their views;
  • Model how perceived injustice can be peacefully challenged;
  • KS2 workshops provided by the Houses of Parliament Education Team;
  • A wide rage of leadership opportunties for children to have their voices heard and make positive change – Creative Committee Club, Playground leaders, Sports Reporters, Science Ambassadors, SSP Sports
  • SEAT Trust pupil leadership team.

Rule of Law – what do we do?

  • Ensure school rules and expectations are clear and fair;Help pupils to distinguish right from wrong
  • Help pupils to respect the law and the basis on which it is made
  • Help pupils to understand that living under the rule of law protects individuals
  • Explore within our Personal Development PHSE and No Outsiders lessons – laws and what to do if peer pressure is trying to persuade children to break these
  • Promote the Rights Respecting School Articles (on policies, around school, in assemblies etc)
  • Refer to the Equality Act 2010 as part of our No Outsiders Scheme
  • Annual visits from police and emergency services with year 6.

Individual liberty – what do we do?

  • Support pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem, self-confidence;
  • Encourage pupils to take responsibility for their behaviour, as well as knowing their rights;
  • Model freedom of speech through pupil participation, while ensuring protection of vulnerable pupils and promoting critical analysis of evidence;
  • Challenge stereotypes;
  • Implement a strong anti-bullying culture;
  • E-Safety units of work are taught throughout school.

Mutual Respect and tolerance of different cultures and religions– what do we do?

  • Use the No Outsiders scheme within our Personal Development lessons and through assemblies to explore the protected characteristics of the 2010 Equality Act to promote respect for individual differences and to actively challenge stereotypes
  • Use No Outsiders assemblies to explore critical news events
  • Explore positive role models through our topics who reflect the protected characteristics of the 2010 Equality Act
  • Challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour
  • Organise visits to places of worship
  • Our RE scheme ensures that our children have a good understanding of a range of religious beliefs and customs
  • Help pupils to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life
  • Development of oracy to disagree in a respectful way with the answers of others whilst in class.