SMSC and British Values

Curriculum Drivers

Our vision for learning (Quoted from Teaching and Learning policy)

The vision for our school is to provide our children with the best possible start in life through the provision of a vibrant, engaging and relevant curriculum where children are challenged and inspired to excel. We strive to develop a community of life-long learners who are ready to succeed in the 21^st century.

SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural) Education, along with British Values and PSHCE, is an important part of our curriculum.

Spiritual Education helps children to explore the views and beliefs of those around them and in the wider world and to express their own opinions and feelings.

Moral Education helps children to know the difference between right and wrong, to understand the consequences of their behaviour, to respect others including their views and beliefs, make decisions and communicate effectively.

Social Education gives children the opportunity to work with others, build their social and team working skills, work with the wider community, participate in various activities and learn how to resolve conflict.

Cultural Education is about understanding and accepting others, recognising their own heritage and culture and to have a tolerant attitude to those around them whose faith and beliefs may differ.

At Wales Primary School, we promote these values through the curriculum in every day teaching and learning as well as through enrichment experiences, visitors, trips, assemblies and displays. By promoting SMSC throughout school, our children will develop into well rounded individuals who have the ability and adaptability to thrive in an ever changing world.

Through pupils' SMSC development, school actively promotes the British Values.

British Values  Statement
Wales Primary School understands the importance of promoting British values through a comprehensive and unprejudiced curriculum. We ensure that all staff are aware of the requirement to uphold British Values through and that the appropriate procedures are in place to carry out these methods. Teachers and support staff will ensure that their lessons are inclusive of, and sensitive to, the fundamental British values. Pupils are expected to treat each other and staff with respect.

The Key British Values
The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy.

The five key British Values are:

• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect
• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

Democracy
At Wales Primary pupils have numerous opportunities to have their views heard through pupil questionnaires, pupil voice interviews, suggestions box and the pupil-elected school council. Our pupils are encouraged to have an input into what and how they learn to instil an understanding of democracy for their future. We use opportunities such as general or local elections to hold mock elections to offer pupils the chance to engage in politics from an early age.

The rule of law
Wales Primary School has a high regard for the laws that govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Through the School Council, Playground Leaders, Friendship Monitors and E-Safety Cadets our pupils are involved in the creation of school rules to inspire them with this understanding.

At Wales Primary School our pupils are taught these values and the reasons behind laws, whether they govern the class, the school or the country, that are essential for their well- being and safety. Pupils are encouraged to engage in healthy debate in class on the matter to encourage recognition of the importance of the law. We enable pupils to distinguish right from wrong and to respect the civil and criminal law of England. We encourage pupils to accept responsibility for their behaviour, show initiative, and to understand how they can contribute positively to the lives of those living and working in the locality of the school and to society more widely. Wales Primary organises visits from authorities in an effort to reinforce the reality and importance of this message e.g. Police and Fire Brigade alongside our annual visit to the Crucial Crew Initiative.

Individual liberty
At Wales Primary we foster a safe and supportive environment where pupils are actively encouraged to make choices. Whether it is choosing a challenging task, a lunchtime activity or an extracurricular club, pupils have the freedom to base their choices on their interests. Pupils are taught about their rights and personal freedoms and are encouraged and advised on how to exercise these safely, for instance through our teaching on e-safety and PSHCE lessons. PSHCE education lessons are accessed weekly by all classes and through special assemblies and enrichment opportunities.

Mutual respect
Respect forms a core pillar of our school’s ethos. Pupils are treated with respect and learn to treat each other and staff with respect. This is reinforced through our Behaviour Policy and displays throughout the school promoting mutual respect. Our children are taught to use manners at all times around school, from holding doors to saying please and thank you. The children are also aware of what we deem as being ‘acceptable behaviour’ and if this is not shown there will be consequences. All children carry out peer group activities from Reception, meaning skills such as turn taking and sharing are grasped at an early age. As well as this, children are mindful of others and will voluntarily help a member of staff or child when necessary.

Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
Wales Primary School acknowledges that tolerance is achieved through pupils’ knowledge and understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and the opportunity for pupils to experience such diversity. Throughout the year, form times and assemblies focus on bullying, with reference to prejudice based bullying, and discussion is encouraged. Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs is supported by the RE and PSHCE Curriculum and clear and inclusive displays.

We encourage our pupils from different faiths or religions to share their knowledge with their peers to enhance their learning. Further tolerance and harmony between different cultural traditions by enabling pupils to acquire an appreciation of, and respect for, their own and other cultures eg. discussion of fasting in different faiths.

Books to support our learning about British Values

These  fiction and non-fiction stories with topics including right and wrong and tolerance of other cultures.

They help embed the values of democracy, rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance.