How British Values and SMSC are promoted at Dorothy Barley Junior Academy

British Values

At Dorothy Barley Junior Academy we value each and every member of our school community as individuals and respect their rights and freedom. Through our Golden Rules we promote the values of:

  • Kindness to ourselves and others
  • Honesty at all times
  • Respect for ourselves and others
  • Hard work at all times
  • Care for ourselves, all others in our school community and our school environment

These are our Golden Rules

We are gentle. We don’t hurt others.
We are kind and helpful. We don’t hurt anybody’s feelings.
We listen. We don’t interrupt.
We are honest. We don’t cover up the truth.
We work hard. We don’t waste our own or others’ time.
We look after property. We don’t waste or damage things.

We believe that these values are the fundamental building blocks for our children to grow and develop as responsible adults and British citizens.

The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy. These values are:

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

Our curriculum is designed to ensure that our children have the opportunity to learn and reflect on the British values that underpin our lives.

Moral Development

Regular activities such as Circle Time, Restorative Practice, Philosophy for Children, Personal Social Health and Citizenship sessions and daily assemblies allow and encourage our children to discuss British values and understand how these are relevant to them.

The children are supported in their moral development by their:

  • Ability to recognise the difference between right and wrong
  • Readily apply this understanding in their own lives
  • Respect the civil and criminal law of England
  • Understand the consequences of their behaviour and actions
  • Investigate and offer reasoned views about moral and ethical issues
  • Understand and appreciate the viewpoints of others on these issues

Social Development

Children have a wide range of opportunities to work collaboratively within class, across year groups and phases. We promote ‘Buddy Systems’ for mid phase admissions.Play Makers actively support other children throughout the day including break-time and lunchtimes. Our active School Council ensure that all children can influence decision making through the democratic processes. They promote a range of initiatives and lead on issues which are relevant to the children through projects and assemblies throughout the year.Dorothy Barley Junior Academy is at the heart of the local community and we encourage pupils to show care and consideration for others through charitable work and young citizenship. There is a strong emphasis throughout the PSHCE areas of study on individual rights and responsibilities including respect and valuing difference in the way people choose to live in modern British Society.

Our children are encouraged to develop socially by:

  • Using a range social skills in different contexts, including working and socialising with pupils from different religious, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds
  • Being encouraged to participate in a variety of communities and social settings, including volunteering
  • Co-operating well with others and being able to resolve conflicts effectively
  • Understanding the importance of identifying and combating discrimination
  • Accepting and engaging with the fundamental British values of:
    • Democracy
    • The rule of law
    • Individual liberty
    • Mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths, beliefs and life choices. This will develop and demonstrate skills and attitudes that will allow pupils to participate fully in and contribute positively to life in modern Britain

Cultural Development

At Dorothy Barley Junior Academy we value the diverse ethnic background of all pupils and families and undertake a variety of events and lessons to celebrate these. We have found this approach to be enriching for all parties as it teaches tolerance and respect for the differences in our community and the wider world.

Through the RE curriculum and PSHCE themes there are a range of learning opportunities which have strong links to the United Kingdom,through which we develop our children’s cultural understanding by enabling children to:

  • Understand and appreciate the wide range of cultural influences that have shaped their own heritage and that of others
  • Understand and appreciate the range of different cultures within school and beyond our local community as an essential element of their preparation for life in modern Britain
  • To gain knowledge of Britain’s democratic parliamentary system and its central role in shaping our history and values, and in continuing to develop Britain
  • Be willing to participate in and respond positively to artistic, sporting and cultural opportunities
  • Gain an interest in exploring, improving understanding of and showing respect for different faiths and cultural diversity
  • Understand, accept, respect and celebrate diversity, shown by their tolerance and attitudes towards different religions, ethnic and socio-economic groups in the local, national and global communities

Spiritual Development

Our children are encouraged to reflect on the predominant religious and moral values that underpin our democratic and multi-cultural British society. Through RE lessons, assemblies and celebratory events, our children learn about the similarities and differences of other religions and are encouraged to reflect on their own beliefs whilst tolerating the different viewpoints of others including those who do not have a religious faith.

We aim to develop our children spiritually by supporting them to:

  • Gain the ability to be reflective about their own beliefs, religious or otherwise, that informs their perspective on their life, show an interest in and respect for different people’s faiths, feelings and values
  • Have a sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning differences about themselves, others and the world them
  • Use imagination and creativity in their learning
  • Be willing to reflect on their own experiences
  • Linking with local faith organisations

Conclusion

At Dorothy Barley Junior Academy we believe that, through promoting British values, our children will become responsible citizens for the future who show mutual respect and tolerance of others, value their own liberty and understand the rules of law and democracy whilst demonstrating care and compassion for all.