British Values Statement

At Haslam Park we are fortunate that our pupils, their families, our staff and other partners represent a diverse range of home backgrounds.  We teach the National Curriculum. It also incorporates the interests of pupils and supports them in becoming good local, national and global citizens of the future.

The Department for Education states that there is a 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”.

Our school reflects British Values in all that we do.  We nurture our pupils on their journey through life so they grow in to caring, responsible and tolerant adults who make a positive difference to British society and to the wider world. We encourage them to be creative, unique, open-minded and independent individuals, respectful of themselves and others in our school, our local community and beyond.

At Haslam Park, we actively promote British Values in the following ways:

Democracy

Pupils are encouraged to debate topics of interest, express their views and make a meaningful contribution to the running of the school. They are able to do this in a number of ways e.g. voting for the Star of Week, class names; curriculum planning; school council; questionnaires and surveys; assemblies.

Rule of Law

We have a clear positive Behaviour Policy which helps pupils to make good choices about their behaviour. We are a Rights Respecting School and each class draws up a charter together at the beginning of the school year. Pupils are helped to distinguish right from wrong, in the classroom, during assemblies and in the playground. This is supported by a Restorative Justice approach. Pupils are encouraged to respect the law and Haslam Park enjoys visits from services such as the Police, Fire and Ambulance services to help reinforce the message.

Individual Liberty

At school, pupils are encouraged, and given the freedom to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment, e.g. Challenging themselves in their learning.  They are supported to develop self-knowledge, self-confidence and a growth mind set in all areas of school life. Pupils are taught to understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms in a safe way, e.g UNICEF Children’s Rights and PSHE lessons. They have key responsibilities in school like being a Playground Buddy, a prefect, Head Pupil or a library monitor.

Mutual Respect and Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs

Respect is one of our core values and the name of one of our houses. Pupils understand that respect is shown to everyone, both adults and children. We help them to develop an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures. Staff and pupils are encouraged to challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour. Links with local faith communities and visits to places of worship is promoted and people from different faiths are invited to school to share their experiences in assemblies and in class. Through the PSHE and RE curriculum pupils are encouraged to discuss and respect differences and similarities between people. We offer a culturally rich and diverse curriculum in which all major religions are studied.