“Our aims are to provide a safe learning environment for both pupils and staff; to ensure that every child reaches their true potential by being inspired and motivated to learn; to ensure that Christian values are followed and to foster the fact that every child matters within the learning community and the wider community”.

 

PROMOTING FUNDAMENTAL BRITISH VALUES

AT

ST OSWALD’S

In accordance with The Department for Education we aim to actively promote British values in school to ensure young people leave St Oswald's prepared for life in modern Britain. Pupils are encouraged to regard people of all faiths, races and cultures with respect and tolerance and understand that while different people may hold different views about what is "right" and "wrong", all people living in England are subject to its law.

The Key British  Values are:

• democracy
• rule of law
• individual liberty
• mutual respect
• tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

At St Oswald's we also promote the Christian Values.

 

We actively promote British Values within our broad curriculum and also through Collective Worship. The school has strong links with the local churches and has a programme of visits or visitors from a range of Faith Communities. 

These links enable our pupils to develop an understanding of a range of communities and cultures beyond their own.

 

Democracy

The school has a school council which meets twice each half-term. Children vote for two children to represent their class. The School Council ensures that the children's views are heard and actions implemented. The school council is particularly active in organising fundraising/charity events eg Macmillan Coffee Morning and are involved in supporting the organisation of the school.  All children feel their opinions are valued and are confident to share their views in class for example in debates, acting out conscience alley or when writing balanced arguments (pupil voice).

We also Have the Collective Worship Crew who support the school in planning Collective Worship, who promote the School Values.

The I- Vengers are a group of pupils who ensure that we promote good behaviours across the school and are respectful online.

 

The Board of Governors/Parent Voice

Our Governing Body is comprised of elected representatives from the staff, local authority, parents and co-opted governors (community); they usually meet each half term.

We actively invite parents and carers for their views throughout the year; this is done through individual letters, questionnaires, school and class newsletters and our open-door policy to meet class teachers or the Head Teacher at the end of the day. The Head Teacher is also highly visible on the main gate at the start and end of the school day.

The PSHE Scheme of work and curriculum topics tackle equal opportunities and discrimination through the curriculum.

 

Rule of Law

School Rules and the School Values are reviewed with the children at the start of each academic year and children agree on class rules with their teacher. Lunchtime Supervisors have had specific training and promote Playground Rules for positive play times and they work closely with class teachers.

Visits from the local fire service and our Police Community Support Officer reinforce the need for laws and how they protect the community.

 

Individual Liberty

We aim to provide a supportive environment within which children and staff can make informed choices and voice their opinions.  An experienced TA runs sessions weekly which enables chosen children to share their feelings in a supportive environment.

At playtimes children are free to choose playground games and activities. The Playground Buddies, who organise games daily, enable an effective support network if required and this, with the Friendship bench promotes positive relationships at play times.

We teach children about their personal rights and freedoms and how to be safe during assemblies, PSHE lessons and Online safety sessions. Year 6 look at human rights and how parliament is run as part of their PSHE topics.

 

Mutual Respect

Children learn about specific British celebrations, events and commemorations through history topics and Collective Worship. Our children also represent the school at Remembrance Day service every year, laying a school wreath and taking part in the parade. A 2 minute silence is also observed during school time.  

 

The school participates in many aspects of the local community (singing to the elderly at Christmas, Shrovetide support, the choir singing at the local retirement home).

Our Harvest celebrations enabled us to send many food and toiletry donations to The Food Bank in Ashbourne.

 

Tolerance of those of different Faiths & Beliefs

Our RE curriculum, assemblies, theme days (European day of languages/Arts week etc) and PSHE lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others.

Key celebrations in different faiths are learnt about, for example, Christmas, Easter, Diwali and Chinese New Year.