We embrace the Department for Education’s five-part definition of British Values:
- Democracy
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Mutual respect
- Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
Pupils at MJS encounter these principles throughout everyday school. Listed below are some examples of how we promote these values into our school community:
DEMOCRACY –
Our school leadership groups of children across the school have been voted on and play a strong role in our school.
We have;
Eco Reps
School Councillors
Healthy Schools Reps and
Digi reps
For Year 6 only we have;
House Captains and a Sports Crew
Financial Ambassadors
All are democratically elected by students and contribute to improving a number of aspects of school life. Regular meetings with these groups, class forums and questionnaires are conducted throughout the year. We believe that the active participation of our pupils sow the seeds for a more sophisticated understanding of democracy.
THE RULE OF LAW –
Our pupils will encounter rules and laws throughout their entire lives. We want our children to understand that whether these laws govern the class, the school, the neighbourhood or the country, they are set for good reasons and must be adhered to.
This understanding of the importance of rules will be consistently reinforced through assemblies, class forums and our curriculum. The involvement of our pupils in the understanding of the school rules helps them to understand the reasons behind the rules and the consequences if they are broken. Throughout the year we welcome visits from members of the wider public. We believe that clear explanations and real life stories emphasise the importance of the rule of law for our pupils.
INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY –
We have created a culture so that children are in a safe environment where choices and freedoms are encouraged. In lessons and for homework, we encourage students to reflect and make choices. Children have the choice in the participation of certain events.
Year groups build in choice with regards to weekly and termly rewards but we also guide our pupils in making choices which challenge them. We offer a vast range of clubs which pupils have the freedom to choose from, based on their interests. As a ‘Rights Respecting’ School, we educate our children in their rights, responsibilities and personal freedoms as well as supporting them in recognising how to exercise these freedoms safely. We believe that this approach encourage children to value the right of the individual liberty and their responsibilities to others. We believe, as a school, that this will develop a strong foundation for later life.
MUTUAL RESPECT: Our Vision and values –
RESPONSIBILITY, RESPECT, CURIOSITY, RESILIANCE, RELATIONSHIPS and GROWTH are our six specific half termly values that are introduced and given additional rewards during weekly assemblies. Our children learn to treat each other and staff with great respect as this is our central ethos.
TOLERANCE OF THOSE OF DIFFERENT FAITHS AND BELIEFS –
At MJS we offer a culturally rich and diverse curriculum in which all major religions are studied and respected. We believe that tolerance is gained through knowledge and understanding. Through our curriculum and the routines of our daily school life, we strive to demonstrate tolerance and help children to become knowledgeable and responsible British citizens.
