British Values
Churchdown Village Junior School is committed to serving the community. We recognise the multi-cultural, multi-faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom and we also understand the vital role we have in ensuring that groups or individuals within the school are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.
Our school reflects British values in all that we do. We aim to nurture our children on their journey through life so they can grow into safe, caring, democratic, responsible and tolerant adults who make a positive difference to British society and to the world. 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.
The school uses strategies within the National Curriculum and beyond to secure such outcomes for students. The examples that follow show some of the many ways our school seeks to embed British values.
Democracy
All children are encouraged to discuss topics of interest, express their views and make a meaningful contribution to the running of the school on matters that directly involve pupils. Children also have the opportunity to have their voices heard through school council, pupil questionnaires and pupil surveys. The elections of members of the School Council are always based on pupil votes. Class rules are always discussed and chosen by the children.
Rule of Law
Our school follows the ‘CVJS Responsibilities’, which are integral to our learning and ethos every day. School rules and expectations are clear, fair and regularly promoted. Pupils are always helped to distinguish right from wrong, in the classroom, during assemblies and in the playground. Pupils are encouraged to respect the law and Churchdown Village Junior School hosts visits from authorities and public bodies to help reinforce this message. The Behaviour and Anti-Bullying policies set out clear guidelines for dealing with any form of aggression, abuse or violence, which extends to pupils, staff and parents and carers. Pupils are encouraged to be independent learners, constantly making choices, within a safe and supportive environment.
Individual Liberty
Within school, pupils are actively encouraged, and given the freedom to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. Pupils are supported to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence. Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their behaviour and our pastoral support reinforces the importance of making the right choices. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our e-safety teaching and PSHE lessons. Vulnerable pupils are protected and stereotypes challenged. A strong anti-bullying culture is embedded in the school and any form of bullying is challenged and addressed. The school also operates a robust system of logging incidents. Pupils have key roles and responsibilities in school, such as school councillors and learning detectives.
Mutual Respect and Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs
The pupils know and understand that it is expected that respect is shown to everyone; both adults and children. Collaborative work is used within lessons and children value others’ opinions. Pupils are helped to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life. Staff and pupils are encouraged to challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour. Links and visits are promoted with local faith communities and places of worship. For example, we have strong links with St Andrew’s Church and welcome the Open The Book team into whole school assemblies. Through the PSHE and RE curriculum, pupils are encouraged to discuss and respect differences between people, such as differences of faith, ethnicity, disability, gender or sexuality and differences of family situations. We offer a culturally rich and diverse curriculum in which all major religions are studied and respected and global dimension work embedded in many of our curriculum. These curriculum topics offer children the chance to reflect on our core values and British values