British Values
Promoting British Values at Purbrook Park
Purbrook Park School promotes 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 have been reiterated by the Prime Minister. At Purbrook Park, these values are reinforced regularly in the following ways:
Democracy
Democracy is evident throughout the school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard as part of our Personal Development programme, pupil questionnaires, and via our pupil leadership team.
Rule of Law
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout the regular school day, through school assemblies, and when reinforcing excellent behaviour. 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. feature in our school calendar and help to emphasise this message.
Individual Liberty
Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive learning environment. We educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make choices safely, through provision of a safe environment, and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand, and exercise their rights and personal freedoms. We advise pupils how to exercise these rights safely, for example through our E-Safety and varied Enrichment programme. Whether it be through choice of challenge, of how they record, or through participation in our numerous extra-curricula clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
Mutual Respect
Our school ethos and behaviour policy has revolved around Core Values such as ‘Respect’, and pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown. Posters around the school promote respect for others, and this is reiterated through our classroom and learning rules, as well as our clear behaviour policy.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
We achieve this by enhancing pupils' understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society, and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Pupils participate in assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying, and are supported by learning in Religious Studies, PSHE lessons, and our programme for pupils' Personal Development. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.