British Values
The DfE have 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.”
The Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values have been reiterated in 2015. At Alexander McLeod these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy
Each year the children decide upon their Junior Governors - whom have been voted for by each class.
The Junior Governors meet with Senior Leaders in the school to discuss school improvement and issues that have been raised. The Junior Governors have their own budget and are genuinely able to effect change within the school.
Children have an annual questionnaire where they are able to put forward their views about the school.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws, whether they are those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at Alexander McLeod.
Pupils are taught from an early age the rules of the school. These are our Golden Rules, Playground Rules, classroom rules and our school values. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and 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 and Fire Service help reinforce this message.
Individual Liberty
At Alexander McLeod, 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 informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our eSafety and PSHE lessons.
Mutual Respect
Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Alexander McLeod is a diverse school. We actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures. Religious Education lessons and PSHE lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others. Members of different faiths and religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. The children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths.
Our 3 B's are:
Be Ready
Be Respectful
Be Safe
We are a CARING school:
Community
Aspiration
Respect
Inclusion
Nurture
Growth