British Values and SMSC

The Department for education states that there is a 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.”
The Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values were reiterated in 2014.

Promoting British Values at Glasshouses School is weaved through our daily lives and activities. This is further underpinned through our commitment to working toward the Unicef’s RRSA.

We reinforce British values are regularly and in the following ways:

DEMOCRACY
Democracy is embedded at the school. Pupils are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinion and voices heard. Pupils are also able to air their ideas and opinions through our Leadership Teams which have representatives from each class in school. The work of the teams is based on pupil votes, demonstrating democracy in action by reflecting the British electoral system.

THE RULE OF LAW
We strive to continually reinforce the importance of laws through our school and class charter /rules. These are embedded in our daily work through PSHE lessons and through Assemblies and also in our Behaviour policy. Pupils are taught that rules are there to protect us and are reminded of the need to follow the rules, of the reasons behind these rules and of the consequences to themselves and others if they are broken. An example of this is that our children take it in turns to go on “Corridor Patrol” to encourage the younger children to follow the rules when moving around school at lunchtime.

INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY
Throughout the day pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. Pupils are encouraged to express their opinions and to make their own choices e.g in participation in our after-school clubs. We are also working towards the Rights Respecting Schools Award and therefore children are taught about their rights as individuals and also about the responsibilities that go with them.

MUTUAL RESPECT
Respect is at the heart of everything we do at school. The pupils know and understand that it is expected that respect is shown to everyone and to everything. The core value of respect underpins our work every day both inside and outside of the classroom.

TOLERANCE OF THOSE WITH DIFFERENT FAITHS AND BELIEFS
Each member of our school is respected and valued equally without regard to ability, gender, faith, heritage or race. Cultural appreciation and development forms part of our curriculum. We place great emphasis on ensuring that we broaden pupils’ experiences and awareness of others’ cultures and beliefs. We do this through RE, Assemblies and celebrations from different cultures, faiths and world events. The staff work closely with parents, carers and other professionals to ensure that all children are happy, well cared for and enabled to learn the skills they need to live a fulfilling life as part of the community. One of the ways we do this is through taking part in community events whenever possible

Glasshouses Primary School are delighted to be part of the Bradford Schools Linking project.

Throughout 2017 – 2018, we have enjoyed the link with All Saints Primary School in Bradford along with our Cluster schools St. Cuthbert’s Primary and Fountains Earth. Linking provides a meaningful way for children to meet, interact and collaborate with others from across the district in a year-long curriculum rich programme and plays a part in contributing to good relations locally. School Linking is endorsed by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and the Department for Education (DfE). It is nationally recognised as offering a positive, age appropriate curriculum response to SMSC, British values and the Prevent Duty.

This work is part of the school’s continuing journey to achieve the Silver RRSA.

Glasshouses Primary School has immersed itself in a whole week of activities to learn about different faiths and cultures as part of the Cultural Diversity week

Throughout the week, the children have welcomed visitors from the Christian, Buddhist, Islam and Sikhism faith and been involved in dance and drama, art work and cooking. Class 3 spent an afternoon learning about the story of the Buddha and performed a play to the rest of school. The children and staff were helped throughout the week to deliver the workshops by Yamien and Indi. They enjoyed learning Indian dancing, henna painting and Chapatti making. As well as thinking about other cultures the children have thought about their own identity and beliefs. As part of the school’s curriculum, Glasshouses Primary school has just gained the Bronze Award as its commitment to Unicef’s Rights Respecting School Award.

The week culminated in a performance to parents in an assembly and Asian food sampling!