British Values

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. At Trinity Primary Academy these values are reinforced regularly in the following ways:

Democracy

Each half term pupils vote for their school council class representative. Potential candidates deliver a presentation to their class and an election is held where pupils enter their vote into a ballot box.

Our school council meet fortnightly to discuss issues raised by individuals and classes and influence change within the school.

Each year the children decide upon their class rules and explore what being part of a community means in practice.

Children have a termly questionnaire where they are able to put forward their views about the school. In addition, parents are encouraged to provide us with regular feedback through half termly ‘Parent as Partners’ sessions, pupils’ mid-year reports and an annual questionnaire to express 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 Trinity Primary Academy. Pupils are taught from an early age Trinity’s Golden Rules: -

We value and respect each other.

We always try to do our best work.

We listen carefully to each other.

We move quietly and carefully around the school.

We sort out our problems calmly.

We respect the school’s equipment, environment and each other’s property.

Pupils are expected to follow the school and class rules at all times. Through the curriculum and weekly assemblies, children are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws, how they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that these involve and the consequences when rules are broken. Scheduled visits from authorities such as the police and fire service help reinforce this message.

Individual Liberty

Through the curriculum, we encourage pupils to express and listen to each other’s views; for example, through PSHE discussions, debates in English and topic lessons and the use of talk partners. Our curriculum supports pupils to develop their self-esteem, self-belief and self-confidence. We encourage pupils to express their individuality and creativity through challenging stereotypes.

At Trinity, 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 pupils to make informed choices and teach children how to make the right choice, for example through PSHE discussions and weekly assemblies. Trinity has a strong anti-bullying culture and our pupils understand the importance of being a helpful bystander.

Mutual Respect

Mutual respect is one of Trinity's core values. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community are encouraged to treat each other with respect.

Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

At Trinity Primary Academy we actively promote diversity, tolerance and understanding, through our celebration of different faiths and cultures. Through the teaching of Religious Education and PSHE. We reinforce messages of tolerance and respect. Pupils teach each other about their cultures and faiths, for example, through presentations to other classes. Whole school assemblies include stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures.We always challenge prejudicial and discriminatory behaviour on on individual, class or whole school level. Children are given the opportunity to discuss the differences between people, such as faith, ethnicity, disability, gender, family differences or sexuality.