Fundamental British Values

Dean Close Airthrie is committed to serving its community.  The school recognises the multi-cultural, multi-faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom.  It also understands the vital role it has in ensuring that groups or individuals within the school are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.

The school follows equal opportunities guidance which guarantees that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group; regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or similar.   Dean Close Airthrie is dedicated to preparing children for their adult life beyond the formal curriculum and ensuring that it promotes and reinforces British values to all its pupils.

The Government emphasises that schools are required to ensure that key ‘British values’ are taught in all UK schools. The Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy.

At Dean Close Airthrie we promote the fundamental British values which are:

At Dean Close Airthrie all we do upholds and encompasses our Aims and Mission Statement which values and recognises the uniqueness of each child.  We have a rich, diverse pupil body which enables us to celebrate and learn about traditions and practices of different faiths and cultures while encompassing fundamental British values.

Democracy

Throughout the school each classroom displays their own class rules and our values.  Each class in Key Stage 2 votes for their School Council Representative and these pupils are the ‘voice of the class’ during meetings.

Individual Liberty

We invest a great deal of time in creating a positive and nurturing ethos in our school, so that all members of our community are in a safe environment where choices and freedoms are encouraged.  In PSHE lessons we support pupils in recognising how to exercise these freedoms safely.  We promote the UN Rights of the Child and the Gloucestershire Healthy Living and Learning PinK curriculum.

Mutual Respect

Mutual respect is at the core of school life; pupils learn to treat each other, and staff, with respect.  Visitors to our school are met with courtesy and our pupils are eager to talk about their school.  During all lessons, assemblies and discussions we encourage pupils to respect their peers’ nationalities, families and belongings.

Tolerance of Different Faiths

At Dean Close Airthrie we offer a culturally rich and diverse curriculum in which all major religions, as well as humanism, are studied.  Visitors from these faiths and beliefs are welcomed into school.  We believe strongly that tolerance is gained through knowledge and understanding; our pupils experience this first hand by visiting various places of worship throughout their time at Airthrie.  Through our curriculum and the routines of school life, we strive to demonstrate tolerance and help the pupils to become citizens of the world.

The Rule of Law

Our pupils will encounter rules and laws throughout their lives.  We want them to understand that whether these laws govern the class, the school or the country, they are set for good reason and must be adhered to by all.  Understanding of this is consistently reinforced through assemblies and many elements of school life.  Their involvement in the creation of pupil rules helps them to appreciate the reasons behind them and the consequences if they are broken.

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