At Roskear, we take very seriously our responsibility to prepare children for life in modern Britain. We ensure that the fundamental British Values are introduced, discussed and lived out through the ethos and work of the school.
All curriculum areas provide a vehicle for furthering understanding of these concepts and, in particular, our RE, PSHE and Citizenship lessons provide excellent opportunities to deepen and develop understanding. Children embrace these concepts with enthusiasm and demonstrate a good understanding of their application to their own lives.
Please click on the links above for more information as to how and when British Values are taught in our PSHE curriculum.
We value the diverse ethnic backgrounds of all pupils and families and undertake a variety of events and lessons to celebrate these. We have found this approach to be enriching for all parties as it teaches tolerance and respect for the differences in our community and the wider world.
In recent years, we have celebrated the World Cup, the Olympics and the Golden Jubilee which was a huge event for the school, with a ‘street party’ event held on the school playground. Traditional children’s party food was served to all. Each year we spend time thinking of those soldiers who lost their lives and fought to give us the lives we have today in democratic Britain. The whole school spends time within the curriculum learning about World War 1 and World War 2.
On a general level, the school undertakes assemblies which uphold traditional values of empathy, respect and tolerance and as a school we believe that these core values underpin all we do at Roskear School. These values are also taught within formal PSHE and RE lessons and on an informal nature throughout the school days.
We also raise money throughout the year for different charities to support people in the world who are less fortunate than us which helps us develop our sense of responsibility and compassion.
We are very proud of our values at Roskear Primary and Nursery School as we believe they are a true reflection of British values and help prepare our children for their futures within a modern British society.
Below is a breakdown of what British Values looks like here at Roskear.
Democracy/Pupil Voice
Children at Roskear know that there is always someone in school who they can talk to, who will listen and they will be heard, that their suggestions are valued. Their ideas are opinions are highly valued and always treated in a democratic way. Children feel comfortable to be forthcoming, and are encouraged to do so, with suggestions on how we can improve the school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our Pupil Parliament and Pupil questionnaires. Children are elected into parliament purely through pupil votes and thus reflecting our British voting system and demonstrates democracy in action.
The Rule of Law
The importance of respecting and following laws, whether they be those in class, the playground, the wider community or anywhere in the world are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days. In addition we celebrate positive behaviour through a variety of ways (see behaviour policy). Our four golden rules underpin all values across the school.
Golden Rules
- Respect everyone and everything.
- Show good manners at all times.
- Follow instructions with thought and care.
- Try our best in all we do.
Pupils 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. Visits from authorities such as the Police; Fire Service; Lifeguards etc. are regular parts of our school life.
Individual Liberty
Pupils are encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for younger pupils to make choices safely, through of provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advise how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons. In addition children are encouraged to make choices in their everyday learning – deciding which task best suits their learning needs, what is going to challenge and move their learning forwards. Children have opportunities to partake in a range of extra-curricular clubs and activities and are given the freedom to make these choices.
Mutual Respect
At the core of our schools visions and values is respect for others and is addressed by one of our key values – Caring. We respect everyone, regardless of their religious views, gender, cultural differences or race. We promote good manners at all times through modelling from staff and assemblies, as well as day to day lessons. Good manners are rewarded by the Midday Supervisors and ‘Golden Tickets’. As a school we also work hard to promote kindness to all. Our recent introduction of ‘golden kindness hearts’ has acted to a reminder to all that kindness costs nothing but yet is priceless to receive. At Roskear, we award gold heart stickers to those children who demonstrate kindness and this is then celebrated back in the classroom and at home.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
This is achieved through enhancing pupils understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Our curriculum promotes the study and understanding of different countries, their cultures and their beliefs. Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.
Children at Roskear know that there is always someone in school who they can talk to, who will listen and they will be heard, that their suggestions are valued. Their ideas are opinions are highly valued and always treated in a democratic way. Children feel comfortable to be forthcoming, and are encouraged to do so, with suggestions on how we can improve the school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council and Pupil questionnaires.