British Values

The Government set out its definition of British Values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy. The DfE reinforces the need 'to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values.' 

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Through the provision of spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development for our children, we promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. 

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At St. Oswald’s, we are committed to serving our community, local area and global community. In doing so, we reinforce British values regularly in the following ways: 

 

Democracy:

Democratic values are an explicit part of the ethos at St. Oswald’s. All adults listen to the views of the pupils and value their opinions. Pupils have further opportunity to have their voices heard through our pupil-elected School Council, Eco Council, Mini Vinnies and Sports Crew and also through pupil interviews. Suggestion boxes are available for children to access. 

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During the last general election, Year 6 children had the opportunity to hold mock elections as part of a carousel of activities where British values were the focus. The children also had the opportunity to take part in debates. 

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The Rule of Law:

The importance of laws and rules are consistently reinforced in the classroom, as well as through school assemblies. Class and school rules (or ‘expectations’ as we call them) are displayed around the school. Pupils are taught to understand the need for laws - that they are there for individual protection, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. 

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Pupils follow a positive behaviour policy and clearly understand the rewards and sanctions that are used. Rewards such as house points, monthly achievers, sticker rewards and the Headteacher’s award for upholding our school mission statement are highly valued by children, staff and parents. 

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Assemblies and discussions in class focus on recognising right from wrong and visits from the Police, Fire Service, the School Nurse and outside agencies like the NSPCC help to reinforce these messages. Sessions on road safety and Bikeability explain the laws and rules of the road and how to keep safe. 

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Individual Liberty:

Pupils are encouraged to be independent learners, constantly making choices, within a safe and supportive environment. Developing their self-esteem and self-confidence is very important. Pupils are encouraged to understand their personal freedoms and are taught how to use these rights to best effect. All pupils are keen to support charities, whether local, national or global. Fundraising initiatives involve raising money for Macmillan, British Legion, Children in Need, Comic and Sports Relief, Marie Curie, Daft as a Brush, St Cuthbert’s Care, St Oswald’s Hospice and Cafod. 

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Pupils are taught consideration for others through our Religious Education curriculum, RSE and PSHE lessons. E-safety teaching enables them to make choices in a safe manner. NSPCC workshops enable the children to explore how they keep safe in a wide range of situations. 

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Mutual Respect:

Our school’s ethos and behaviour policy are based on Gospel values, with the important commandment being, ‘Love one another as I have loved you’. We live, learn and love together with Christ. Assemblies, acts of worship and our ‘Statements to Live by’ constantly promote respect for others and the importance of good manners. 

All pupils are taught the importance of self-respect, honest and open communication with others and fair play. Pupils work collaboratively and value others’ opinions. 

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Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:

As a Catholic worshipping community, pupils are reminded of their place in a culturally diverse society. This is achieved through our Religious Education curriculum ‘Come and See’ and through the spiritual life of the school. Assemblies and class work promote the diversity of society and the right for each person to be respected and valued equally regardless of ability, gender, faith, heritage or race. 

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Members of different faiths or religions are invited into school to share their knowledge and enhance learning within assemblies and in class. The children have had a wide range of opportunities to develop their knowledge, tolerance and understanding through workshops, visits to the Synagogue and Mosque and through presentations given by peers from a number of different faith communities. 

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A range of our curriculum topics have strong links to the British Empire. The whole school community recognises the importance of the armed forces by participating in Remembrance services and wearing a red accessory to mark the importance of the 11th November. We always remember especially the service men who died from our own parish. 

In Year 6, pupils undertake a History topic about the Second World War and the impact that the military had in fighting for the British Empire. They explore the impact of the war on the country. Work is linked with Remembrance and the annual Poppy Day celebrations where children purchase poppies and a minute's silence is held in a thought provoking assembly. 

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Year 5 attend the ‘Just Is’ conference. They attend a wide range of learning opportunities at our feeder High Schools and explore many aspects of working together with peers from other schools. 

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In History, children in Year 3, Year 4 and Year 5 look at the impact and influence on Britain of the Stone Age to Iron Age, Romans, Anglo Saxons and Vikings. 

In Year 2 there is a strong focus on the work of Florence Nightingale and how she assisted British soldiers so they could convalesce after being injured. The children also study the Great Fire of London and look at the importance of Samuel Pepys’ diary. During the month of November, the children are encouraged to think about the significance of Bonfire Night through studying the story of Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot. 

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In Year 1 the children have an opportunity to find out about significant British Monarchs and the impact of the Victorian period. 

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Reception Class study events within recent memory. PSE is a prime area of learning and through this area, the children are introduced to class rules, turn taking, sharing, tolerance and understanding. They are given a wide range of opportunities to develop in this area through visitors to their class, visits out and through our ‘Special Friend’ programme. 

As a whole school we work extremely hard to participate in local, national and global projects. Enterprise and fundraising opportunities are always high on the agenda. 

We are looking forward to the School Council organising the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee events during the year-long celebrations throughout the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and around the world to celebrate The Queen’s historic reign. 

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On a more general level, the school undertakes daily assemblies and class discussions which uphold the traditional values of empathy, respect and tolerance. These are also taught within formal SEAL, PSHE and RE lessons and in an informal nature throughout the school day.