British Values

In 2014 the then Prime Minister, David Cameron, spoke about the important role of British values in our education system. How well schools promote such values are now part of the Ofsted inspection process. The promotion of British values is not something new to our curriculum at Bincombe Valley. Such values are at the core of all we do whether it be through our assemblies, our RE curriculum, our Relationships and Sex Education, PSHE lessons or through other areas of the curriculum.

The term British values can be a but misleading as these values are integral to so many countries across the world.

Being Part of Britain – WE CELEBRATE DIVERSITY 

Our curriculum reflects, celebrates and teaches children about diversity. For example, in RE children learn about the main religions of Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism, and Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) as well as Humanism. They compare and contrast marriage customs and naming ceremony customs, for example, and have opportunities to visit different places of worship. Throughout the year we celebrate being part of Britain. In general terms this means we celebrate events such as Christmas, Harvest, Mothering Sunday, Remembrance Day. 

Democracy

The annual election and work of our School Council reflects British democracy. Our School Council is very proactive in having its voice heard. In addition, the School Council helps to organise our charity work throughout the year. This includes fun days such as Odd Socks Day for the Anti-Bullying Alliance, Red Nose Day, Children In Need as well as supporting the Local Food Bank during Harvest festival. This fostering of a commitment to charities is another way in which we teach a sense of Britishness.

Rules and Laws

Children are taught the importance of rules and laws and how the ones in school reflect those in our country. Children are taught the reasons behind rules and that they are there to keep us safe and happy. Each class has its own class code of conduct and positive behaviour reinforcements are operated throughout the school. Visits form authority figures in society such as the fire brigade, the local community police officers, MPs and governors demonstrate to children how rules and laws are an integral part of a safe and happy Britain.

Individual Liberty

Alongside rules and laws, we promote freedom of choice and the right to respectfully express our views and beliefs as an integral part of what it is to be British. Children may choose to take part in our very wide range of extra curricular activities. They have access to a broad choice of lunchtime play areas and activities. They are involved in their own learning and respond to their learning by feedback systems and self review. They are taught how to use their choices and freedoms safely through our curriculum in areas such as online safety, anti-bullying, sex and relationship education and drugs and alcohol awareness education.

Mutual Respect and Tolerance

Bincombe Valley is a  culturally diverse school with an inclusive ethos and practice. Our children are taught and know how to show respect to everyone no matter what our differences may be. We celebrate this diversity in our curriculum. Examples include our celebrations of different religious festivals throughout the year, the participation of all our children, including those with a disability, in all our curriculum activities and the regular staff training we undertake to ensure this inclusive practice remains integral to our work. Behaviours which are contrary to these British values are actively challenged, whether they come from children, parents or staff. Such instances are extremely rare in school and we are proud of the reputation we have in our local community.