The DFE have recently 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 the law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.”
In line with the with the Department for Education’s five-part definition, we promote the following British values at Hebburn Lakes primary School;
- democracy
- the rule of law
- individual liberty
- mutual respect
- tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
At Hebburn Lakes Primary School students will encounter these principles throughout everyday school life. We believe our promotion of spiritual, moral, social and cultural understanding runs through our curriculum ‘Learning Means the World’ so that children are taught the values in a range of ways. Additionally, the values are taught in R.E which gives children real and meaningful opportunities to explore these values. At Hebburn Lakes Primary School, we are certain that the active promotion of British Values means that children are enabled to develop a sense of community and begin to develop their understanding of their role and responsibilities within it.
Hebburn Lakes Primary School takes the opportunity to actively promote British Values through whole school assemblies where a range of British Values are explored. Our whole school systems and structures lend themselves to the active promotion of British Values. For example, all children take part in a democratic school council election process. Hebburn Lakes Primary School, also actively promotes British Values by challenging pupils, staff or parents who express opinions contrary to fundamental British values, including ‘Extremist Beliefs’, in appropriate ways.
Democracy  | Pupil voice has an important part to play in the life of Hebburn Lakes Primary School. Our pupil-elected school council plays a strong role in our school. They are elected by their class peers and are involved in making the school a better place to learn. Additionally, pupil’s voice is also heard through pupil conferencing and through pupil questionnaires. We know that the formation of the school council and the active participation of our pupils will sow the seeds for a more sophisticated understanding of democracy in the future. |
The Rule of Law | Our pupils will encounter rules and laws throughout their entire lives. We want our pupils to understand that whether these laws govern the class, the school, the neighbourhood or the country, they are set for good reasons and must be adhered to. This understanding of the importance of rules will be consistently reinforced through assemblies, in classes, around the school and through our curriculum. The involvement of our pupils in the creation of the school rules helps them to understand the reasons behind the rules and the consequences if they are broken. Through SMSC questions and PSHE lessons, we allow opportunities to debate and discuss the reasons for laws so that children can recognise the importance of these for their own protection. Throughout the year we welcome visits from members of the wider community and have strong links with our local community police officers. We believe that clear explanations and real life stories emphasise the importance of the rule of law for our pupils. Opportunities for children to take more responsibility around the school are encouraged through roles as ‘Helping Hands and class monitors. |
Individual Liberty | We invest a great deal of time in creating a positive culture in our school, so that children are in a safe environment where choices and freedoms are encouraged and valued. We offer a range of clubs which pupils have the freedom to choose from, based on their interests and skills. Through our E-Safety days, we educate children on their rights and personal freedoms as well as supporting them in recognising how to exercise these freedoms safely. During PSHE lessons, all children are encouraged to share their feelings in a safe way. At Hebburn Lakes Primary School, we believe that valuing choice and freedom in daily school life will foster a value for individual liberty as the children embark upon their adult lives. |
Mutual Respect | Mutual respect is at the core of our school life. The children learn to treat each other and staff with great respect. This is evident when walking around the School and in the classrooms. Each class draws up a set of class rules or a class agreement each year and uses this to set the tone for the level of respect that is expected throughout the year. Through E-Safety Days and Anti- Bullying week, the children are taught to value differences in themselves and others and most importantly to show respect to all. |
Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs | Hebburn Lakes Primary School follows the agreed RE syllabus which ensures that all children learn about the main religions and teaches respect and understanding for the cultures, beliefs, opinions and traditions or others. Class assemblies also help to contribute to the knowledge of special occasions, beliefs and customs. Through our curriculum and school wide theme of culture, we take the children on a cultural journey for example through Come Fly with me Asia, Cry Freedom and Come Fly with me America. Through the routines of our daily school life, we also strive to demonstrate tolerance and help children to become knowledgeable and understanding citizens who can build a better Britain for the future. We use opportunities such as the Olympics and current news and events from around the world to help the children study and learn about life and cultures in different countries. |
The Rainbow Flag Award | We are very proud to have been awarded ‘The Rainbow Flag Award’. This is a national quality assurance framework for primary schools, secondary schools, SEND schools and colleges, which focuses on positive LGBT+, (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, plus other related identities), inclusion and visibility. We are committed to a whole-school approach to LGBT+ inclusion. We demonstrate this across six key areas: Skilled Teachers; Supportive Governors and Parents; Effective Policies; Inclusive Curriculum; Pastoral Support; Student Voice. |
British Values in our curriculum…
British Values is evident in all of our curriculum areas; here are some examples:
Explorers  ‘Have a go!’ | Pathfinders  ‘‘Find a way!’ | Adventurers  ‘Make it happen!’ | Navigators  ‘Lead the way!’ |
Fly with me Asia Under the Sea Help is at Hand No Place Like home What on Earth? | Come Fly with me Arctic Circle Zero to Hero Unity in the Community Light up the World Going Wild! | Cry Freedom Come Fly with me Africa Athens V Spartans Law and Order Under the Canopy Picture our Planet | Come Fly with me America I have a Dream You’re not Invited War of the World Full of Beans Global Warming |
