British Values
All maintained schools and academies have obligations under Section 78 of the Education Act (2002) which requires schools, as part of a broad and balanced curriculum, to promote the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils at the school and of society.
Through ensuring pupils’ Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) development, schools must also demonstrate they are actively promoting fundamental British values.
The Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy and these values have been recently reinforced by the Department of Education in 2014, stating the need ‘to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British Values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.’
At Silver Springs Primary Academy, British values are promoted in much of what we do, not least during assemblies, Religious Education and PSHE lessons. The values are an integral part of our school vision and values and underpin our code of conduct.
Democracy
Children, parents and staff have many opportunities for their voices to be heard at Silver Springs Primary Academy. Democracy is central to how we operate, by listening to one another.
An example of this is our Pupil Leadership Team. Each year this involves the children applying for the different roles and responsibilities within the Pupil Leadership Team, stating why they think they would be a suitable candidate, and what qualities they could bring to the role.
The Pupil Leadership Team is then made up of representatives from each key stage two class, with various ambassadorial roles, including Team Captains. The group meet regularly with members of the School Leadership Team to discuss a range of issues and to decide on which actions to implement. Members of the Pupil Leadership Team are called upon to represent the school on various occasions e.g. New Parents Evening.
Rule of Law
The importance of laws, whether they may be those that govern each class, our school or our country are referred to and consistently reinforced often, such as in assemblies and when reflecting on individual behaviour choices. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken.
Individual Liberty
Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices; including the right to respectfully express views and beliefs, knowing they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for our young pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe, supportive environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely.
Mutual Respect
Silver Springs Primary Academy serves a multi-faith community where each person is respected and valued equally without regard to ability, gender, faith, heritage or race. The need for mutual respect is embedded throughout the school. All members of the school community treat each other with respect. Pupils and adults respect and help each other in and around the school.
We strive to enhance our pupils understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Assemblies and class discussions about diversity are supported by learning in Religious Education and PSHE lessons. Within school, members of different faiths or religions are also encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. This includes parents or members of the local community coming in to talk, as well as pupils.
Tolerance of Different Faiths & Beliefs
Silver Springs Primary Academy is situated in an area which is culturally diverse; therefore we place a great emphasis on promoting diversity with the children.
We actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures. Religious Education lessons and PSHE lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others. Members of different faiths and religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.
Throughout school life the children are encouraged to discuss differences between people such as their faith, ethnicity, disability, gender or sexuality. They also discuss differences in family life such as looked after children or young carers. This is promoted through our No Outsiders lessons and weekly assemblies.
