TEACHING BRITISH VALUES

Promoting British Values at Forest Academy

The Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values have been reiterated this year (2014). At Forest these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy

Each year the children decide upon their junior leader (school council)

The Junior Leadership Team (JLT) meet every half-term with Mrs Lloyd to discuss school improvement and issues that have been raised.  The JLT have their own budget and is genuinely able to effect change within the school. Its class votes every child on the JLT in.

We also have playground leaders.  The playground leaders are trained to support the younger children in the school during lunchtime. 

Children have an annual questionnaire where they are able to put forward their views about the school.

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws, whether they are those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at Forest.

Pupils are taught from an early age the rules of the school. These are our classroom rules and our school values. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the police and fire service help reinforce this message.

Individual Liberty

At Forest, 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 young pupils to make informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons.

Mutual Respect

Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

Forest is a diverse school. 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. The children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths.