PROMOTING BRITISH VALUES AT CLAPHAM MANOR PRIMARY SCHOOL

At Clapham Manor we value and celebrate the rich and diverse heritages of everybody in our school community and beyond.

We understand that, as a school, we have a duty to 'actively 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 in order to ensure that our young people leave school prepared for life in modern Britain.

Through daily assemblies and a carefully sequenced bespoke PSHCE curriculum we have ensured that the teaching of British Values is woven into our curriculum offer.  Inclusivity is one of our pillars of character and, together with our Code of Respect, is explicitly taught across all year groups. 

• Democracy

Democracy is central to how we operate at Clapham Manor Primary School and children, parents and staff have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. Pupils are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and with concern to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard. Pupils also have the opportunity to air their opinions and ideas through our Pupil Parliament, House Captain and Young Leadership programme.

Our pupil parliament is active and is developing its role within the decision making of the school – giving our pupils a chance to be part of this develops their sense of identity and the importance of having a voice.

• Rule of Law

The importance of rules and laws, whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, are referred to and reinforced often through assemblies, PSHE lessons and when reflecting on behaviour choices.

Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws; that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities this involves, and the consequences when rules and laws are broken.

• Individual Liberty

Through the provision of a safe, supportive environment, we provide boundaries for our pupils to make choices safely.  We promote freedom of choice and the right to respectfully express views and beliefs and pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms.

• Mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs
  Clapham Manor Primary School serves an area which is culturally diverse and we are proud to promote and celebrate our different backgrounds and beliefs. Inclusivity, kindness, integrity and team spirit are at the heart of our aims and ethos and, our pupils know and understand that all members of the school community are expected to treat each other with respect.

As well as promoting British values we also actively challenge opinions contrary to fundamental British values, including ‘extremist’ views; each such occasion, although rare, is treated seriously and in line with our policies and expectations.