Promoting British Values At Nexus

The DfE have 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 previous Prime Minister – David Cameron. At Nexus School we reinforce these values as part of our learning. We promote these values in the following ways:

Mutual Respect and Tolerance:

This is achieved through enhancing pupils understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. As part of our ethos with tolerance we promote the core value of ‘Respect’. Pupils are part of discussions related to what this means and how it is shown. Respect is reinforced through classroom and school rules.

Democracy:

Democracy is a fundamental part of life at Nexus School. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council. Pupils also have the opportunity to develop their understanding of the democratic process when working together in class activities.

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 the 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 and responsibly. Pupils are included in the choices that they make through identifying challenge in their learning, understanding how their behaviour affects those around them and attending extracurricular activities.

The Rule of Law:

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 where appropriate through class / 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.