"Our Values are British Values"

British Values, as described by Ofsted, is to develop the pupils’ understanding and knowledge of:

• How citizens can influence decision-making through the democratic process;
• An appreciation that living under the rule of law protects individual citizens and is essential for their wellbeing and safety;
• The separation of power between the executive and the judiciary, and that while some public bodies such as the police and the army can be held to account by Parliament, others such as the courts maintain independence;
• The freedom to choose and hold other faiths and beliefs is protected by law;
• Acceptance that other people having different faiths or beliefs to themselves (or having none) should be accepted and tolerated, and should not be the cause of prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour;
• The importance of identifying and combatting discrimination.

This learning is described by the DfE as Five Fundamental Values:

• Democracy
• Rule of Law
• Individual Liberty
• Mutual Respect
• Tolerance of those of different Faiths and Beliefs

Willow Park School is committed to serving its community and surrounding areas. It recognises and appreciates the range of different cultures within school and further afield. This is reflected in our curriculum planning.

Our pupils show interest in exploring different faiths, and we show respect for cultural diversity, promoting tolerance and positive attitudes towards different religious, ethnic and socio-economic groups.

The DfE has 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."

Our school Vision Statement embodies and reinforces the DfE expectations of promoting British Values in our school. Our aim is to empower pupils to demonstrate acceptance, respect and tolerance of themselves and others. This is supported by our school values of Respect, Acceptance, Kindness, Tolerance, Learn and Achieve. This underpins all that we do, and at Willow Park we are passionate about promoting enquiring minds, confidence, build high self-esteem and respect for ourselves and others.

Democracy:

Democracy is part of the day-to-day life within the school. It is modelled by all staff within the building who show tolerance and respect for the rights of others, and act with integrity and honesty.

Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard on a daily basis, with adults taking the time to listen and respond. Pupils can also have their voices heard via the student council (voted for by the children).

Where you will see Democracy being applied:

• School aims
• PSHE Curriculum
• History Curriculum
• Student Council
• Pupil trips and visits
• Pupil questionnaires
• In class topical discussions
• Assemblies and guest speakers

The Rule of Law:

Across school, we have a set of rules and expectations that everyone strives to work within. The importance of Laws, rules and consequences are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, as well as when supporting with behaviour and through school assemblies. Pupils are taught the values and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Pupils have regular opportunities to reflect, discuss and share through tutor time, daily interactions with pupils through a positive pastoral approach.

Where you will see the Rule of Law being applied:

• School aims
• PSHE Curriculum
• Behaviour for learning approach
• Sporting events and fixtures
• Classroom expectations
• Assemblies and guest speakers

Individual Liberty:

Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school, we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make safe choices, through the provision of a safe environment and a culture of independent learning. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised on how to exercise these safely, for example, through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons.

Where you will see Individual Liberty being applied:

• School aims
• PSHE Curriculum
• Extracurricular clubs
• Lunch choice
• Careers
• Choice of reading book
• Student council
• Relationship and sex education
• Assemblies and guest speakers

Respect:

Respect for self and each other is a value that is at the centre of our school ethos.

Where you will see Respect being applied:

• School aims
• PSHE Curriculum
• Positive relationships
• High expectation of behaviour
• The school rules
• Assemblies and guest speakers

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:

We value the importance of helping to shape pupils' understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Our curriculum plans include celebrating festivals around the world, such as Chinese New Year, Diwali and Harvest.

We follow the Derbyshire agreed R.E. curriculum.

• School aims
• PSHE Curriculum
• RE Curriculum
• Trips and visits
• Literacy texts chosen to reflect a variety of countries and cultures
• Assemblies and guest speakers
• Anti-Bullying week
• Black history week

We strive to ensure that our pupils are taught, experienced and exposed to the five fundamental British Values across the school.