British Values
The DfE has stated that schools should actively 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.”
As a result of the promotion of British values, pupils at Danecourt develop their learning through the following ways:
Democracy
Democracy is rife within the school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council and Pupil questionnaires and regularly have the opportunity to express their views. The elections for School Council are based solely on pupil votes. Our school rules and rewards are discussed with the children and decided collectively.
The Rule of Law
At school there are high expectations in place for pupils with a consistent approach to behaviour within classrooms. All pupils are taught how to communicate and follow directions by staff. In the Explore and Enquire Tracks, pupils are taught what rules are and actively engage in writing their own classroom rules. As part of community learning, pupils learn about people who help us, including the police and their role in keeping communities safe. Staff provide a consistent and predictable environment where pupils feel safe and secure, enabling learning to take place throughout the day.
Individual Liberty
Within school, 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 choices safely, through our provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advise how to exercise these safely, for example through our online safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it be through choice of challenge, of how they record, or participation in our enrichment clubs, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
Mutual Respect
The curriculum for all pupils is personalised for each individual and pupils are encouraged to participate in a wide range of turn taking and group learning sessions throughout the day. Pupils are supported to develop their communication to be able to interact positively with their peers and develop friendships. As part of their PSHCE curriculum, pupils are taught how to respect each other and how to understand the impact of behaviour on others. There is a strong focus on community with classes working together on trips and visits, as well as through enrichment activities weekly. Staff work with families to develop pupils' understanding of their wider community.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
At Danecourt School, we respect every individual equally without regard to ability, gender, faith, heritage or race. This is modelled consistently by staff across the school and pupils are actively encouraged to treat each other with respect. Across the curriculum pupils are provided with opportunities to explore a wide range of celebrations and events to develop their awareness of others and broaden their experiences. Pupil well being is supported by staff through a range of strategies that promote understanding and staff are attuned to changes in the child that can indicate anxiety. Staff are trained to then be able to provide strategies to support and promote the children's welfare, working closely with families to share ideas.