British Values and Personal Development

The DfE have  reinforced 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.”

We ensure that the fundamental British Values are introduced and discussed through school in lessons as well as in weekly upper and lower phase assemblies (which have reguarly themes related to Britich Values and Personal Development). All curriculum areas provide a vehicle for furthering understanding of these concepts and, in particular, RE and PSHE provide opportunities to deepen and develop understanding. We encourage our children to be creative, unique, open-minded and independent individuals, respectful of themselves and of others in our school, our local community and the wider world. We aim to nurture our children so they can grow into safe, caring, democratic, responsible and tolerant adults who make a positive difference to British Society and to the world.

At Hill View Junior Academy, we also regularly reinforce British Values in the following ways:

Democracy

We uphold the British value of Democracy by:

• facilitating a democratic process for electing and supporting the running of our Junior Leadership Team, our class charities and many other things.
• taking turns in class, at dinner time and in after school clubs.
• pupils also have the opportunity to have their voices heard through pupil questionnaires and pupil conferences.
• pupils are actively involved in the selection processes of new staff.
• pupils are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard. 

The Rule of Law

We uphold the British value of the Rule of Law by:

• implementing our school and class charters which have clear and agreed statements, and ensuring that the children know their own right and respect the rights of others.
• pupils are helped to distinguish right from wrong.
• pupils are helped to respect the law. They 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.
• pupils are helped to understand that living under the rule of law protects individuals.
• the Behaviour and Anti-Bullying policies encourage the restorative justice process to resolve conflict.
• the school has zero-tolerance for any form of aggression, abuse or violence, which extends to pupils, staff and parents/carers.
• we are committed to praising children’s efforts. Children are rewarded not only for achievement in curriculum areas, but also for behaviour. Rewards are given in the form of stickers, stars, prizes and certificates. Children’s achievements are also recognised during celebration assemblies.

Individual Liberty

We uphold the British value of Individual Liberty by:

• teaching an understanding of the concept of freedom and choice. For example, by signing up for extra-curricular clubs, choosing the level of challenge in some lessons etc. 
• pupils are supported to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence.
• pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their behaviour
• freedom of speech is modelled through encouraging pupil participation.
• vulnerable pupils are protected and stereotypes challenged.
• a strong anti-bullying culture is embedded in the school.
• pupils have key roles and responsibilities in school e.g. anti-bullying crew, digital heroes, librarians, prefects, junior leadersho team etc

Mutual Respect and Tolerance

We uphold the British value of Mutual Respect and Tolerance  by:

• teaching our RE curriculum, which inculcates values of understanding, tolerance and respect for others, including those of other faiths.
• holding discussions in RE, PSHE and other subjects, which allow children to develop respect for the opinions, values and beliefs of others.
• pupils are helped to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life.
• a well-planned and diverse curriculum as well as weekly assemblies
• staff and pupils are encouraged to challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour.