British Values & SMSC

Promoting British Values & SMSC

The DfE have clearly outlined the importance of promoting British Values and 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 and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.”
(Prevent Strategy 2011)

The DfE has further highlighted the importance of teaching British values as part of our SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural) provision:

“Through ensuring pupils’ SMSC development, schools can also demonstrate they are actively promoting fundamental British values. Meeting requirements for collective worship, establishing a strong school ethos supported by effective relationships throughout the school, and providing relevant activities beyond the classroom are all ways of ensuring pupils’ SMSC development. Pupils must be encouraged to regard people of all faiths, races and cultures with respect and tolerance. It is expected that pupils should understand that while different people may hold different views about what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, all people living in England are subject to its law.”
(Promoting fundamental British values as part of SMSC in schools 2014)

At George Fentham Endowed School these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy

Democracy is embedded in the school. Pupils are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and with concern to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard. Pupils also have the opportunity to air their opinions and ideas through our School Council and pupil voice opportunities. The elections of the School Council members are based solely on pupil votes, reflecting our British electoral system and demonstrating democracy in action.

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced. School Council devised 3 key school rules which are embedded in the daily life of the school. In addition, each class also discusses and sets its own Class Charter, rules 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. Our 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, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for our pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and an empowering education. Our pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely; examples of this can be clearly seen in our E-safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it is through choice of challenge; of how they record; of participation in our numerous extra- curricular activities; our pupils are given the freedom to make choices.

Respect

Respect is a core Christian value in our school. Pupils know and understand that it is expected and imperative that respect is shown to everyone, valuing the faith, culture and beliefs of all. The value of respect at George Fentham Endowed School underpins much of our work every day both in and out of the classroom. Respect for the older generation is fostered through links with Hampton Lunch Club.

SMSC

Children learn about beliefs that inform their perspectives on life and respect for different peoples’ feelings and values. They learn about themselves, others and the world around them. Children can reflect on their own experiences and those of others. They use their imagination and creativity when learning.

Spiritual
To see our definition of what 'Spiritual' looks like at
George Fentham, click here.

Pupils recognise the difference between right and wrong. They recognise legal boundaries and respect the civil and criminal law of England. They understand the consequences of their own and others’ behaviour and actions. Children can investigate and offer reasoned views about moral and ethical issues and learn to understand and appreciate the viewpoint of others.

Moral
To see our definition of what
'Moral' looks like at
George Fentham, click here.

Pupils develop a range of social skills including working and socialising with others, including from different religions, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. They participate in a variety of communities and social settings, including volunteering, co-operating with others and resolving conflict. They accept and engage with British Values, developing and demonstrating skills that contribute positively to life in modern Britain.

Social
To see our definition of what
'Social' looks like at
George Fentham, click here.

Children understand and appreciate the wide range of cultural influences that have shaped their own heritage and those of others. They understand and appreciate the range of different cultures as an essential element of their preparation for life in modern Britain. They know about the British democratic parliamentary system and processes.

Cultural
To see our definition of what 'Cultural' looks like at
George Fentham, click here.

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