EtchinghamStatement of British Values
Etchingham CE Primary School is committed to serving its local, national and international community. We recognise the multi-cultural, multi-faith and ever-changing landscape of the United Kingdom. We also understand the vital role we have in ensuring groups or individuals within any environment are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.
Our school fosters a strong sense of belonging both to the school community and as a citizen of Britain with the responsibilities that citizenship brings. We recognise the statutory requirement to promote British Values as a part of the curriculum whilst appreciating the backgrounds of all pupils and their families.
We seek to ensure young people leave school prepared for life in modern Britain as members of society who treat others with respect and tolerance, regardless of background.
Democracy
Democracy is a vital part of the school's day to day operations with pupils being able to voice their views and concerns formally through the school council and more widely through the curriculum. Pupils can elect their representatives to the council and have first-hand experience of democracy. Pupils are encouraged to express their views and participate in any discussion.
Rule of Law
The importance of the law is regularly reinforced with pupils throughout the school day. Primarily, this centres on behaviour which is regularly covered with pupils through assemblies, worship and through the RSHE curriculum. Pupils are taught the reasons for the laws that protect and govern us together with the consequences of breaking laws and the need for restorative justice.
Individual Liberty
All pupils are actively encouraged to make choices at school knowing they are in a safe and supportive environment. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand, and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and make suitable choices. Teachers advise pupils how to do this in a safe way through the promotion of online safety, citizenship and RSHE. Pupils regularly make choices in terms of extra-curricular activities.
Mutual Respect
The school's ethos and values focus on the need for mutual respect and kindness towards all. Our behaviour policy supports this, and it is reinforced on a regular basis in assemblies, worship and the daily life of the school.
Tolerance
The school promotes not only tolerance but acceptance of people of different faiths and beliefs. This is achieved through enhancing pupils’ understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience diversity. Assemblies explore other beliefs and prejudices as well as tackling prejudice-based bullying. A wide range of faiths and beliefs are explored through the religious education curriculum.
