Promoting British Values at Eastover

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’ and these values have been reiterated by the Prime Minister this year.

At Eastover we reinforce these values regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy is promoted through a school council, pupil questionnaires and opportunities for debate.

• The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police, Fire Service, Road Safety etc. are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message.

• Individual Liberty is taught through e-safety and personal, social, health education lessons that advise pupils on how to exercise their rights and personal freedoms safely. Pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment.

• Mutual Respect is a core value and an important part of our school ethos and behaviour policy. Discussions and assemblies focus on what respect means and how it is shown.

• Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs is achieved through enhancing pupils understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity.

We promote the languages and cultural celebrations of pupils for whom English is an additional language.

Discover and Grow -Together

The phrase ‘DISCOVER AND GROW, TOGETHER’ sums up the school values described in our 'FIVE KEY BELIEFS' it underpins our approach to everything we do, whatever the specific lesson or teaching and learning environment.

In short, ‘Discover and Grow - Together’ is a statement of intent and aspiration... and defines how we work with children.

Discover – find out, become aware of, research, investigate, search for, solve, invent.

Learning is a journey of discovery about the world around us, and discovering about ourselves. An interest in the world around us is central to this sense of discovery.

We seek to instil this sense of discovery, to enable every pupil to grow academically, emotionally and socially.

Our ‘Five Key Beliefs’

1. Being a reader and writer, with the skills needed to communicate effectively, access their learning and building confidence to live an independent life with a love for the written word.

2. Being numerate, with the key skills to apply within our everyday lives and thus building confidence to live an independent life. Mathematics is fun too!

3. Enjoying learning, through creativity, discovery and first-hand experiences making learning real, meaningful and relevant.

4. Celebration of achievements - because children make more progress in their learning when they feel confident, rise to challenges... and feel positive about what they can achieve in the future.

5. The best environment for learning - because all children deserve to learn in a safe yet challenging environment which allows them to make mistakes and learn from them. This, in turn, enables them to build strong, positive relationships and grow into well-rounded independent and proud learners.