British Values
The government set out their definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy. These were reinforced in September 2014 due to recent events. These new regulations will sit alongside the requirements of the Equalities Act, which also applies to all types of schools.
Schools will be expected to focus on, and be able to show, how our work with pupils is effective in embedding fundamental British values.
Promoting British Values at Bursar Primary Academy: We agree with the Department for Education’s five-part definition of British Values:
Democracy
We have a School Council, with membership from Year 1 to Year 6, which meets regularly to discuss and to plan projects that will improve the school and be of benefit to its pupils. Prospective School Council members ‘pitch’ firstly to their class and then to the whole school and then they are democratically elected into office by their peers. Pupils are asked to complete a questionnaire at the end of each academic year so that their views and perceptions about various aspects of school can be recorded and analysed. In classes we encourage and support children to learn to listen to and respect the opinions of others even if they do not always agree. Through all their learning activities children are encouraged to: discuss, listen, debate and question as these are all excellent life skills to learn and use when living and taking part in a democratic society. Moreover, through our termly themed curriculum at Bursar Primary Academy, we explore a range of matters linked to democracy
Rule of Law
The Behaviour Policy at Bursar Primary Academy is explicit regarding the rules and expectations expected of all children. Children are clear that rules are essential to maintain safety and order; for self, others and the environment. In school, children are taught that sanctions and consequences will be enforced if the rules are not adhered to and by implication this extends to life in modern Britain as a whole. The children also learn through cross-curricular activities about laws, which govern our country. The children learn about “fair play” through taking part in sports events and PE lessons, they learn how to play within the rules of a particular sport, in addition to this they learn how to accept both winning and losing a match.
Individual Liberty
From a very young age, our children are actively encouraged to consider their opportunities and to recognise how to make choices which are right for them and those around them. The school seeks to create a positive learning environment in which children develop the confidence to voice their opinion and know it will be respectfully considered and valued. We accept that all children make mistakes and our role as educators is to guide the children in learning from their mistakes, in effect learning from the consequence their actions had led too. Children learn about their rights as young people and how these can be lived out in their lives, with an emphasis on keeping themselves safe, for example through E-safety lessons and PHSE activities.
Mutual Respect
Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. From Nursery our pupils learn that their behaviour can have an effect on their own rights and well-being and those of others. All members of the school community, whether they are an adult or a child, are expected to treat each other with respect, along with the readiness to acknowledge that we are all unique, with individual qualities. Celebration Assemblies are open to parents, where a wide range of academic, sporting, musical and community achievements are celebrated. PE competitions and charity days also provide opportunities for children to extend their development of Mutual Respect by working with and supporting others from communities and backgrounds different to their own. Our Cultural Rolling Rota allows children to experience a range of different experiences throughout their 7 years at Bursar.
Black History Month
Black History Month is an important time for our school community to learn, reflect, and celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black individuals throughout history. Across the school, our students have engaged in meaningful activities, research, and creative projects that deepen their understanding of Black heritage and culture. This showcase highlights their learning journey and the ways we honor diversity, equality, and inclusion in our classrooms.
Acceptance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
We teach our children about the culturally diverse society in which they live. We have a broad and balanced RE curriculum, which explores key faiths, their religious practice and culture. Through cross-curricular work the children learn about other cultures exploring similarities and differences. Bursar Primary academy provides a variety of opportunities for pupils to visit places of worship as well as those of cultural interest. We also actively encourage visitors from a range of communities, cultures and organisations into our school.
