British Values
Values are principles that guide behaviour. At Addingham Primary School adults are encouraged to model values and to give time for reflective practices. We believe that this empowers individuals to be effective learners and good citizens.
Our values based philosophy underpins our work to actively promote fundamental British values of democracy, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those from all faiths, backgrounds and cultures. A rounded programme of assemblies and classroom based learning promote children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, enabling them to develop their own moral and ethical compass to guide what is right and what is wrong.
At Addingham these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy
Democracy is widespread within the school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council and Pupil questionnaires. The elections for our School Councillors are based solely on pupil votes. Our school behaviour policy involves rewards which the pupils vote on as a class group.
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 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 and Fire Service are regular parts of our calendar and help to reinforce this message.
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 of provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it is through the choice of challenge; of how they record work; or of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
Mutual Respect
Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy has revolved around core values such as ‘Respect’, and pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown. Posters around the school promote respect for others and this is reiterated through our classroom and learning rules, as well as within our behaviour policy.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
This is achieved through enhancing pupils understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Assemblies and discussions are supported by learning in RE and PSHE. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge in order to enhance learning within classes and the school.
A Selection of our 'Values' Assemblies
Equality, Equity and Diversity Assembly
