Ethos & Values

TEACHING BRITISH VALUES

Promoting British Values at Lansdowne Primary Academy

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 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 this year (2014).  At Lansdowne Primary Academy these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy

Democracy is an important value at our school.  Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our school council.  The elections of members of the school council are based on pupil votes.  Pupils apply for positions of responsibility, give speeches and attend interview.

The Rule of Law
 
The importance of laws and rules, whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days.  Pupils are taught from an early age the rules of the school.  The 3 rights are displayed throughout the school.  Our 'Going for Gold' behaviour system is aligned to an agreed set of procedures.   Children are actively encouraged to reflect and manage their own learning and behaviour.  Children are recognised if they reach 'Going for Gold' and are given a sticker to celebrate this.  Other learning rewards recognise application of skills that ensure children stay in 'Bronze'  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.
 

Individual Liberty

At Lansdowne Primary Academy, 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.  Adults strive to model respect in all they do.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
 
Lansdowne Primary Academy is situated in an area which has become more culturally diverse and we place a great emphasis on promoting diversity within the school community.  Assemblies are regularly planned to include stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths.  Religious Education lessons and PSHE lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others.  The children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths.  Visitors from other faiths and cultures enrich the curriculum but cultural diversity is embedded in the work of the school.
 

Lansdowne Primary Academy holds 8 core values which are revisited in termly core values days.  Children work in mixed age groups from Reception to Year 6 to develop their understanding of a focus value in a range of contexts.  This is a celebration of our ethos, curriculum and British values and supports the development of the PSHE and citizenship curriculum. 

LPA British ValuesLPA Promoting Values Poster