British Values

Democracy

At the start of each school year each class (from Year 1 upwards) vote in two pupil leadership representatives which give children a say on small-level decisions that are made at Aldborough Primary School. The pupil leaders meet regularly with the PSHCE leader to discuss any issues raised in class. Individual children are also chosen to be class monitors, eco-warriors, playground leaders and we are now in the process of appointing well-being ambassadors. We teach our children to be respectful of themselves and others. They are given a voice and that voice is heard. We participate in fundraising for many local and global causes through our Aldborough Takes Action Campaigns. These campaigns empower our children with the skills, knowledge and motivation to bring positive change in themselves and the world. Children are also taught that they can make a difference through decisions made and actions shown.

The Rule of Law

Pupils are taught the rules as soon as they enter school. Each class and Key Stage have an agreed set of rules and a behaviour contract when they join Aldborough. The children are aware of the consequences of not following the school or class rules and learn to understand the difference between right and wrong. We follow a whole school behaviour system where there is an opportunity for children to put right what has been done wrong, wherever possible.

Individual Liberty

Children are both encouraged and given the freedom to make choices and to respect the choices, decisions and beliefs of other children. They are also encouraged to give their opinions and share these ideas with due regard for the feelings of others. As part of our PSHCE and Religious Education curriculum we place an emphasis on their social and emotional learning. This is also followed during whole school assemblies where we celebrate achievements both in and out of school through certificates, trophies and stickers.

Mutual Respect

Children are reminded about the importance of respecting themselves and those around them. We also teach them to be respectful of their school and resources. Adults model this throughout the school day and there are set themes for assemblies. Children show their work during Friday’s celebration assemblies and we have taught the children to show both respect and appreciation.

Education of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

We promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures. During Religious Education, Circle Time and whole school assemblies, we reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others. Children are given opportunities to share their beliefs with their class and through this sharing we learn to be more tolerant, respectful and knowledgably about other faiths, religions and beliefs. The children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths as part of the curriculum. We recognise that not everyone’s home life is the same so children are also given opportunities to speak about any issues affecting them in a safe, non-judgemental environment.

British Traditions and Heritage

In the Primary school we celebrate the role of Britain both historically and in the present through our curriculum. This involves celebrating any Royal events, Remembrance Day, festivals such as Harvest, Christmas and Easter alongside those from other cultures such as Eid, Diwali and the Chinese New Year.

In addition to the learning mentioned above, a few more examples of what we teach in the Primary Phase are below.

In Geography children:

• Locate a variety of places at home through revising the countries of the UK and their capitals.
• Identify types of British weather and seasonal change and their effects on people.
• Express views on what their local community is like.
• Visit the seaside and then compare a British seaside to Victorian times. In History children:
• Learn about the Stone Age – early Britains.
• Learn about the Bronze Age.
• Learn about the lives of Victorians.
• Focus on homes both here in England and abroad.
• Undertake work on Florence Nightingale and how she helped the soldiers during the Criterion war.
• Learn about the Great Fire of London.

In English, children learn about British authors and read traditional tales and poetry including limericks. Reception children are taught traditional nursery rhymes and their accompanying actions. Older children are taught songs such as ‘London’s Burning’, ‘Who will have a fishy?’ and ‘Pack up your troubles’.