British Values
The government has set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values have been reiterated by the Prime Minister. At Alexandra Junior School these values are reinforced regularly in the following ways:
Democracy
Democracy is embedded here at Alexandra Junior School. Pupils are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully, with concern for each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard. Pupils also have the opportunity to air their opinions and ideas through our School Council and annual questionnaires. School Council Members, House Captains and Sports Captains are based solely on pupil votes, reflecting our British electoral system and demonstrating democracy in action.
Rule of Law
Alexandra Junior School regularly reinforces the importance of both school based and laws within the country. Pupils are taught our School Rules when entering the school and these are consistent in each class room. These rules ensure that each child is able to learn and enjoy school life in a safe, ordered and respected environment. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws, the responsibilities that this involves and the relationship between actions and consequences when laws are broken. These are reinforced through visits with authorities e.g. Police and Fire Services and trips and actions to promote change.
Individual Liberty
At Alexandra Junior 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 informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons.
Mutual Respect and Tolerance of Others
Respect is one of the core values of our school. Our staff and pupils are fully involved in the creation of our school values and it is deeply embedded in all that we do at the school. The pupils know and understand that it is expected and imperative that respect is shown to everyone, whatever differences we may have, however big or small. We promote the core values of RESPECT: Responsibility, Equality, Safety, Participation, Excellence, Community and Trust at Alexandra Junior School and they underpin our work every day both in and out of the classroom. This promotes tolerance of those who have different faiths and beliefs. Alexandra Junior School develops pupils understanding of different faiths and beliefs through Religious Education Studies, Assemblies, P.S.H.E. lessons and the celebration of religious festivals. Pupils, staff and parents would be actively challenged if expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views.