British Values

The Department for Education set out a definition of British Values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy. British Values sits alongside the Equalities Act, which applies to all British schools. The British Values are an integral part of our school ethos and our curriculum, and are actively taught in PSHE and RE lessons. Also British Values are promoted through assemblies where we explore them as a whole school.

At Fairisle Junior School we actively challenge pupils, staff and parents expressing opinions contrary to these fundamental British values. This includes any extremist views.

Promoting British values at Fairisle Junior School

We agree with, and effectively embed, the five British Values:

• Democracy
• The rule of Law
• Individual liberty (Personal freedom)
• Mutual Respect
• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

Democracy

At the beginning of each school year, every child takes part in a democratic vote to elect the Learning Leader for their class. In addition to this, the children vote for Head Boy and Head Girl each year once the Year 6 candidates have shared their manifesto with the whole school. Entry and exit surveys give every child a say as well as parental questionnaires and these are used to make positive changes to our school. Finally, as part of our PSHE curriculum children learn all about the democratic process and why this is a fundamental right for British Citizens.

The rule of Law

As part of our PSHE curriculum, children gain an understanding of why laws are in place and the importance of these, for example through our learning about drugs. At a school level, our rules are enforced consistently and the children appreciate and understand why these are in place.

Individual Liberty

All our pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive place. We strive to provide boundaries for these choices to be made safely, in a safe environment and through empowering education.

Mutual Respect

Mutual respect is modelled and expected by every member of our school community. Respect is one of our three school rules and we believe that mutual respect forms the basis of our school ethos. Each year, the whole school participate in learning during Anti-Bullying Week and Black History Month. Year 6 also develop their understanding of respect through their learning about LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning) History Month.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

Throughout their time at Fairisle Junior School, children will find out about Christianity, Hinduism and Islam. As part of their learning, they will get the opportunity to visit different places of worship including visiting our local Church at Lordshill for key Christian festivals. Discrimination is explored explicitly through our SMSC curriculum.