British Values
We work hard as a school community to ensure that the key values of respect, tolerance and liberty are not only taught, but are really understood and become embedded in all that we do.
The Department for Education state that there is a 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.”
These values are reinforced regularly in the following ways:
Democracy
Democracy is embedded at the school. 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.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced. Each class discusses and sets its own rules that are clearly understood by all and seen to be necessary to ensure that every class member is able to learn in a safe and ordered environment. Our 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.
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 our pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and an empowering education. Our pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely; examples of this can be clearly seen in our e-safety and P.S.H.E. lessons. Whether it is through choice of challenge; of how they record; of participation in our numerous extra- curricular activities; our pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
Mutual Respect
Respect is one of the core values of our school. The pupils know and understand that it is expected that respect is shown to everyone, whatever differences we may have and to everything, however big or small.
Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs
Our core value of Respect ensures tolerance of those who have different faiths and beliefs. New Islington enhances pupils understanding of different faiths and beliefs through religious education studies and P.S.H.E. We celebrate the multicultural aspect of the school, whereby beliefs, traditions and customs are studied in depth, with visitors being invited in to our school to enrich and extend understanding. Through this our pupils gain an enhanced understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society.