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British Values

We agree with the Department for Education's five part definition of British Values:

  • Democracy
  • The rule of law
  • Individual liberty
  • Mutual respect
  • Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

Democracy:

Pupil voice plays a big part in life at Wenlock. Our pupil elected school council plays a strong role in our school. They are elected by their class peers and are involved in making Wenlock an inspirational place to learn. Pupil questionnaires and interviews are also conducted throughout the year. We know that the formation of the school council and the active participation of our pupils will sow the seeds for a more sophisticated understanding of democracy in the future. Our school behaviour system involves reward incentives in the form of house points and smiley faces.

The Rule of Law:

Our pupils will encounter rules and laws throughout their entire lives. We want our pupils to understand that whether these laws govern the class, the school, the neighbourhood or the country, they are set for good reasons and must be adhered to. This understanding of the importance of rules will be consistently reinforced through assemblies and our curriculum. Through philosophical enquiry in our philosophy lessons, we allow opportunity to debate and discuss the reasons for laws so children can recognise the importance of these for their own protection. Throughout the year we welcome visits from members of the wider community including police, war veterans, the fire brigade and many more. We believe that clear explanations and real life stories emphasise the importance of the Rule of Law for our pupils.

Individual Liberty:

We invest a lot of time in creating a positive culture in our school, so children are in a safe environment where choices and freedoms are encouraged. In lessons, learning tasks are often left for the child to decide upon. We encourage children to choose the task that will challenge them, giving them more freedom to determine their own learning. We offer a range of clubs which pupils have the freedom to choose from, based on their interests. Through our E-Safety, philosophy and values teaching, we educate children on their rights and personal freedoms as well as supporting them in recognising how to exercise these freedoms safely. At Wenlock we believe that valuing choice and freedom in daily school life will foster a value for individual liberty as the children embark upon their adult lives.

Mutual Respect:

The school ethos, values and long term plan aims to promote respect for others and this is reiterated through our classroom rules, as well as our behaviour policy.

Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs:

Luton is a multi-cultural community which means we are fortunate to be surrounded by endless diversity which we respect and celebrate. Whilst we are a Church of England School, we offer a culturally rich and diverse curriculum in which all major religions are studied and respected. Parents and leaders of different faiths are welcomed to the school to share their beliefs, while we also visit numerous places of worship. At Wenlock we strongly believe that tolerance is gained through knowledge and understanding. Through our curriculum and the routines of our daily school life, we strive to demonstrate tolerance and help children to become knowledgeable and understanding citizens who can build a better Britain for the future.

Evidence of our commitment to British Values

  • Play leaders support children at lunchtimes
  • An elected school council with representatives from Year 3 to Year 6
  • Visits to different places of worship
  • Parents and children sign a 'home school agreement'
  • Each class has a 'class agreement'
  • We welcome visitors from other schools and faiths
  • Our broad and balanced curriculum teaches elements of democracy, civic responsibility, equality, values, environmental awareness and understanding of other faiths.
  • RE/Values ambassadors

We recognise and celebrate important events, for example:

  • Easter bonnet Parade
  • The Olympics
  • The Platinum Jubilee
  • Remembrance Sunday
  • St. George's Day with children from uniformed organisations