British values are promoted in so much of what we do, not least during our school assemblies and Religious Education lessons. The values are integral to our long-standing visual ethos statement which complements British values and always has done.

What are British Values

At Fernvale, we understand that British Values can be summed up through 5 key points:

• Democracy
• Rule of Law
• Mutual Respect
• Individual liberty
• Tolerance of others

How do we deliver these in our school?

DEMOCRACY

At Fernvale, children have the opportunity to take on extra leader and ambassador responsibilities. Currently we have the following ambassadors in our school and are planning to add to these over time.

• Sports and Playground Leaders
• Mental Health and Wellbeing Ambassadors
• Shed Monitors
• School Council Representatives

Our ambassadors have a key role in articulating their aims, running listening campaigns across the school and act as agents of change in their chosen area. We aim to empower our children’s voice in preparation for life beyond our school gates. Democracy values begin in Foundation Stage by children voting for their favourite book at the end of each day.

Children, parents and staff have many opportunities for their voices to be heard at Fernvale Primary. 

An obvious example is our School Council. The election of the School Council members reflects our British electoral system and demonstrates democracy in action: candidates make speeches, pupils consider characteristics important for an elected representative, pupils vote in secret using ballot boxes etc. Made up of two representatives from each class, the School Council meets regularly to discuss issues raised by the different classes. The council has its own budget and is able to genuinely effect change within the school.

 RULES AND LAW

Our children understand that by following the 3 clear 'Diamond Rules' of our classrooms they are carrying out their responsibility in keeping our school happy and safe.

In addition to this:

The importance of rules and laws, whether they be those that govern our school or our country, are referred to and reinforced often, such as in assemblies and when reflecting on behaviour choices. At the start of the school year, each class discusses and sets its own Class Rules, a set of principles 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.

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. These values are reinforced in different ways:
•Visits from authorities such as the police and fire service.
•During Religious Education, when rules for particular faiths are thought about.
•During other school subjects, where there is respect and appreciation for different rules – in a sports lesson, for example.

Mutual respect

Fernvale Primary is in an area that is culturally diverse and we are proud to promote and celebrate our different backgrounds and beliefs. Mutual respect is at the heart of our aims and ethos – To develop an understanding of and respect for a wide range of religious values, languages and cultural traditions and different ways of life – one of our school diamond rules is 'Care for everyone and everything which makes sure we always respect everyone and everything.

Our pupils know and understand that it is expected and imperative that respect is shown to everyone, whatever differences we may have, and to everything, whether it is a school resource, a religious belief or whatever. Children learn that their behaviour choices have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community should treat each other with respect.

Individual liberty

We are encouraged to make our own choices in school-this could be the clubs we attend, the library books we choose, the people we work and play with. It is important to be in control of our own choices and to understand that we enjoy many freedoms in our country that are denied to others around the world.

tolerance of OTHERS

 We are at the heart of a diverse community and believe that everybody is welcome. Our teaching within the PSHE curriculum promotes tolerance and respect for everyone including different faiths, cultures and lifestyles. There is also an effective suite of safeguarding policies in place to safeguard and promote pupils’ welfare

We have a duty to prepare our pupils for life in modern Britain and to keep them safe. Everyone at our school has the right to learn and work in safety. We do not tolerate bullying of any kind and will challenge derogatory language and behaviour towards others.