Life In Modern Britain

At Coldfair Green Primary we recognise the importance of preparing all of our young people for life beyond school, life in Modern Britain and the wider world.

We teach the values of

• Democracy
• The Rule of Law
• Individual Liberty
• Respect for and tolerance of those of different faiths and those of no faith

We aim to teach children to

• Respect other people
• Consider each other’s points of view and know that we cannot always agree
• Participate in democratic decision making processes and understand that this does not always lead to the decision they want
• Know right from wrong and respect the laws we live under
• Accept responsibility for their own behaviour
• Make a contribution to the local community and to others outside of it
• Understand the role of public institutions – such as the courts, Parliament, hospitals, schools, the church and the police.
• Understand and respect our own and different cultures.

Our school meets the requirements of the Education Act 2002 (Section 78) by promoting the spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development of our pupils. Through SMSC provision we actively promote British Values. The Government defines British Values as democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.

Democracy

Links to School Curriculum Drivers: community, aspiration and resilience

UN CRC Article 12: Children have the right to say what they think should happen, when adults are making decisions that affect them and to have their opinions taken into account.

• We teach how everyone can influence decision-making through the democratic process.
• Children learn about Parliament and about the practical application of British Values through our, “What’s in the News”, "Oracy" and Curriculum Driver" assemblies where children consider the impact of what is going on in the world and how it affects them. They also discuss how their actions impact on others.
• We have an elected School Council, House Captains and House and Sports Captains. This is used as an opportunity to promote and teach respect about democracy and the electoral process.
• We teach resilience and mindfulness, solution-focused problem solving and conflict resolution.
• We encourage volunteering and community work, both in and out of school. This includes Junior Librarians, Computing Champions and Lunchtime Play Leaders, all of whom make decisions.
• The School Council represent the school in decision making for supporting local and national charities, fund raising and determining how funds raised should be spent on projects determined by all the children.
• The beginnings of democracy are taught through historical research of Ancient Greece/Roman Civilisations, the Changing Role of British Monarchs, The United Nations Rights of the Child and are linked to the National Curriculum and our themed curriculum.
• Democracy is also promoted through additional RSHE lessons, circle times, assemblies and visitors such as the local elected MP.

Rule of Law

Links to school curriculum values: community, aspiration and resilience.

UN CRC Article 19: Governments should ensure that children are properly cared for and protect them from violence, abuse and neglect by their parents, or anyone else who looks after them

• We teach pupils to appreciate that living under the rule of law in Britain protects individual citizens and is essential for their well-being and safety. 
• We have high expectations about everyone’s and this is reflected in our Positive Behaviour Policy and our Code of Conduct for Adults. There are rewards for exhibiting responsible actions and respectful behaviour; House Point Certificates, Behaviour Awards, Star of the week, Random Acts of Kindness Awards amongst others … and these demonstrate our values in action.  Children are involved in creating class rules.
• Through our school’s values and collective worship, children are taught how to earn trust and respect and are supported to develop a strong sense of morality; knowing right from wrong and doing the right thing; making good choices even when it’s difficult.
• The local Police Officer/PSCO visits the school to talk to the children and explain about the role of the police in society.
• The school’s own value of “Safeguarding is Everyone’s Responsibility” is our guide to best practice.

Individual Liberty

Links to school curriculum drivers: community, aspiration and resilience. Determination, Curiosity
UN CRC Article 31: All children have a right to relax and play and to join in a wide variety of activities.
UN CRC Article 15: Children have the right to meet together and to join groups and organisations, as long as this does not stop other people from enjoying their rights.

• Through our school values, collective worship and RSHE programme, children are taught about personal responsibility, choices, ambition and aspiration. They are encouraged to take opportunities to follow their interests in art, music, sport and a range of extra-curricular clubs.
• Achievements in all areas, both in and out of school are valued and recognised.
• Children are taught how to keep themselves safe, including when using the internet and being on-
  line. This is done through computing lessons, collective worship and workshops from outside organisations, as well as through the RSHE curriculum.
• “Say No To Bullying” is ongoing with a clear Anti- Bullying Policy throughout the school community which includes an annual whole school Anti-Bullying Day.
• Charities like Childline and the NSPCC offer workshops.
• Older children lead assemblies to support advise their peers.

Mutual Respect

Links to school curriculum drivers: community, aspiration and resilience

UN CRC Article 2: The Convention applies to everyone whatever their race, religion, abilities, whatever they think or say and whatever type of family they come from.

UN CRC Article 30: Children have a right to learn and use the language and customs of their families, whether these are shared by the majority of the people in the country or not.

• Children are taught to understand the importance of identifying and battling against discrimination.
• We have high expectations about pupil conduct and this is reflected in our Positive Behaviour Policy and Equality Policy.
• Children are taught to respect each other, to be co-operative and collaborative and to look for similarities while being understanding of differences.
• Mutual respect is also promoted through additional RSHE lessons and collective worship.
• Buddy System
• Pupil surveys and questionnaires

Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs

Links to school curriculum drivers: community, aspiration and resilience.

UN CRC Article 14: Children have the right to think and believe what they want and to practice their religion, as long as they are not stopping other people from enjoying their rights. Parents should guide their children on these matters.

• We teach children that the freedom to choose and hold other faiths and beliefs is protected in law.
• We have high expectations about pupil conduct and this is reflected in our Positive Behaviour Policy and Equality Policy.
• Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs is promoted through the Locally Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education. Children learn about different religions, their beliefs, places of worship and festivals. The children’s work on this subject is often displayed in the classrooms or around the school.
• This is supplemented by collective worship (Key Stage and Whole School), which, although mainly Christian in nature, also marks and celebrates significant religious festivals such as Ramadan and Diwali.
• We embrace the customs and traditions of all faiths.
• Visits are made by local religious leaders such as ‘Open the Book’ sessions and children have the opportunity to visit places of worship.