British Values

The Government define British Values as democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.  At Burford School, we promote these values through our own school values, curriculum and enrichment activities for example:

Democracy linked to the Burford School value of RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY and CURIOSITY 

We have an elected School Council.  This is used as an opportunity to promote and teach about democracy and the electoral process.

We encourage volunteerism in and out of school.  This includes things like the Peer Mentors, Playground Leaders, and also raising money for charities, for example, Cancer Research and national led charity themed days.

The beginnings of democracy are taught through our history curriculum and democracy is also promoted through additional PSHE lessons and assemblies.

The rule of law linked to the Burford School values of RESPONSIBILITY, RESPECT and HONESTY

We have high expectations about pupil conduct and this is reflected in our Behaviour Policy. There are rewards for exhibiting positive behaviour, and consistent demonstration of our values is recognised through such things as ‘House Points’, 'Burford Body praise on a Post-it’ and ‘Headteacher awards’.

Through our school assemblies, check-ins, circle time and PSHE lessons, children are taught how to earn trust and respect and are supported to develop a strong sense of morality, knowing right from wrong and doing the right thing even when it’s difficult.

Individual liberty linked to the school values of PERSERVERENCE, RESILIENCE, RESPONSIBILITY and KINDNESS

Through our school values and the Jigsaw PSHE program, children are taught about personal responsibility, choices, ambition and aspiration.  They are encouraged to take opportunities to follow their interests in art, music, sport, etc.

Children are taught how to keep themselves safe, including online.  This is done through computing lessons, assemblies and outside organisations such as the NSPCC, as well as through the PSHE curriculum.

Mutual respect and Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs linked to the Burford Value of KINDNESS

We have high expectations about pupil conduct and this is reflected in our Behaviour Policy and Equality, Diversity and Cohesion Policy.

Through our school’s values, Jigsaw PSHE program and the 'Burford Body', children are taught to respect each other, to be cooperative and collaborative, be supportive and to look for similarities while being understanding of differences.

Mutual respect is also promoted through additional PSHE lessons and assemblies.  A range of specific assemblies were delivered focusing on helping other pupils to understand specific special needs, whilst promoting inclusivity. 

Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs is promoted through the Syllabus for Religious Education.  Children learn about different religions, their beliefs, places of worship and festivals.  The children’s work on this subject or whole school learning in assemblies is often displayed in the classrooms or around the school.

As part of the RE curriculum, the children have the opportunity to visit places of worship.

At Burford School, we encourage the children to be knowledgeable, not just about the content of the National Curriculum, but the world they live in and what is happening around them now. We use a platform called Votes for Schools, which brings topical issues and current affairs into the learning at Burford. Not only do they learn, but they engage and ask questions. The children also contribute, submitting their votes and comments which are then shared with relevant professional bodies linked to the topic discussed.

Promoting British Values in the Early Year's Curriculum

As part of a holistic approach to teaching children in the Early Years Foundation Stage, we promote the school values through all lessons and interactions with our youngest children.  They are taught to:

• recognise and celebrate difference 
• be kind and learn to share ideas, equipment and be tolerant of one another
• be respectful and take responsibility for their actions and their learning environment
• experience difference cultures from around the world, for example, Chinese New Year and Diwali 
• be curious and persevere when learning new things
• be resilient when challenged

Votes For Schools

The topic of the week is introduced in our key stage assemblies every Monday and developed by a class-based assembly later in the week. The following week starts with feedback about the previous topic.

Votes for Schools provides weekly opportunities for the children in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 to discuss challenging current affairs topics. Children are given knowledge to evaluate and discuss before they comment and vote. The votes are collated nationally and shared with influential bodies such as government departments, police, charities and media outlets. They respond to the vote showing the children their voice is heard and their vote matters.

Votes for Schools provides enrichment and development of key components within the PSHE curriculum. It also supports whole school learning around spiritual, moral, social and cultural development (SMSC) and bolsters children's understanding of British Values.