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.”
The Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values were reiterated in 2014.
At Hampton Hill these values are taught, reinforced and celebrated in an age appropriate way, through our broad, balanced and enriched curriculum, collective worship, our structures and systems, our commitment to the importance of pupil voice and leadership and as an intrinsic part of our ethos and values.
We actively challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views.
Democracy
An understanding of democracy is developed across the school in a variety of ways relevant to the ages of the children. We want the children to appreciate the value of democracy and understand the role that all individuals, including themselves, have within a democratic society.
SMART School Council
We have a SMART School Council which meets regularly to discuss and plan projects that will improve the school and be of benefit to its pupils. The School Council raises money for charity and they have successfully raised money for Children in Need, Sport Relief and MacMillan Cancer Support. The school council have played a part in every staff interview in recent years.
Pupil Parliament
The school participates fully in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames Pupil Parliament initiative whereby Year 6 pupils ‘pitch’ for election by their year group as Pupil Parliament representatives. Each year the newly-elected girl and boy spend a day at York House in Twickenham competing against the other Richmond schools in an attempt to become the Pupil Mayor and Pupil Deputy of Richmond-upon-Thames.
Junior Travel Ambassadors
Again, in conjunction with the London Borough of Richmond-upon-Thames, the school participates very fully in the programme of events designed to be carried out by Junior Travel Ambassadors. These are pupils in Year 5 who have successfully ‘pitched’ and been voted into office by their year group.
The JTAs attend an initiation event in Twickenham and are tasked with a series of responsibilities, including the provision of school assemblies with a safety theme. They have also written to people in authority to raise issues and concerns such as dogs fouling the footpaths near the school.
Pupil Leadership
Pupil leadership is a key aspect of the life of the school. All pupils are encouraged and supported to take on leadership roles within their class and the wider school community. For example we have monitors for a wide range of responsibilities: sports leaders, garden leaders and music leaders; and pupils regularly show visitors around the schools.
Curriculum
Through our curriculum children are taught about, and are encouraged to respect, public institutions and services.
Pupil Voice
Pupil voice is valued, encouraged and celebrated. Pupils` views and opinions are sought through discussion groups, questionnaires and focus groups
Uniformed Organisations
The school is very proud that some of its pupils choose to attend a variety of uniformed organisations in the local area such as Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, Rainbow Brownies, Brownies, Girl Guides and the Sea Scouts. We welcome members of different services to meet and talk with the children about their work.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws, whether they are those that govern the class, the school, or the country, is consistently reinforced at Hampton Hill Junior School through assemblies and our curriculum, and through high expectations demonstrated and modelled by staff and other pupils.
Pupils are taught from an early age about the expectations of the school. A positive behaviour scheme is in place within the school and pupils are encouraged to reflect on their behaviour and helped to make appropriate choices. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Community Police and local Fire Officer help to reinforce these important messages.
Individual Liberty
At Hampton Hill Junior School, we provide an empowering education within a safe and supportive environment. We educate and we also provide boundaries for our pupils. As a result they are in a position to make informed choices. Pupils are encouraged to risk- take and to challenge themselves physically, socially, emotionally and intellectually. This happens in a variety of contexts including opportunities to abseil and rock climb on a residential school journey. Pupils enjoy a wonderful range of extra-curricular clubs and activities that they are encouraged to choose and enjoy.
Pupils are encouraged to know, to understand and to exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our focused work on E Safety and within the PSHE curriculum. They are encouraged to debate topics and to be able to express opinions. We strive to enable pupils to develop self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence and we engender an “I can do” attitude in the children and staff.
A robust anti-bullying policy is in place in school.
Mutual Respect
Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. From the outset, 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.
Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs
Our locality means that we are part of, and surrounded by diversity, which we celebrate, and respect. We place a great emphasis on promoting diversity with the children and assemblies are planned to address this issue either directly or through the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a wide range of faiths and cultures. Children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths and our RE teaching reinforces this. Members of different faiths or religions, including parents, are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. School displays celebrate different religions and celebrations. We offer a culturally rich and diverse curriculum in which all major religions are studied and respected. We believe that tolerance is gained through knowledge and understanding. We strive to demonstrate tolerance and help pupils to become knowledgeable and understanding citizens who can build and be part of a better Britain for the future.