British Values & SMSC

The Department for Education have reinforced the 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.”

The Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values were reiterated in 2014. At our school these values are integrated regularly in many teaching and learning opportunities.

SMSC

SMSC stands for Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural education. The SMSC curriculum at North Duffield is high profile, with every child taking part in weekly discussions on a range of themes. SMSC is also embedded into each curriculum area through essentials and is covered through extra activities such as school trips and clubs. The aim of the SMSC curriculum is to prepare each child for life in modern Britain.

Spiritual Education

North Duffield Primary school has strong community links to two local churches St Helens Skipwith and North Duffield Methodist Church. The RE curriculum covers a range of faiths, whilst at the same time celebrating the distinctly Christian ethos of the school. Spirituality is mainly explored through assembly themes and RE lessons. Children have a sense of enjoyment in their learning, which is achieved through promoting our philosophy of developing learners for life. This is continuously supported and reiterated through class routines such as the Golden Hat, weekly Parents’ Awards Assembly, gaining house points, as well as through class trips and clubs.

Moral Education

The children at North Duffield have a strong understanding of right and wrong. This is reinforced through the clear, well modelled behaviour system, lunchtime behaviour certificates and Golden Time. All classes agree a Class Charter at the beginning of each year which are signed and regularly referred to.

They show an interest in offering views about moral and ethical issues, particularly evident through our School Council. Children are given an understanding of how a democracy works through the House system and when voting in class and assemblies on issues or systems that affect them such as marking or the house system. The school is divided into 4 houses, each house has a Captain and a Vice-Captain and children are awarded points for their house to reward good behaviour and achievement.

Social Education

The school is at the heart of a supportive, social community. Children are encouraged to use a range of social skills in different contexts, through the provision of clubs, fairs, discos, events, trips and inter-school events for example for sports. The school and pupils have a great understanding of inclusion and help to ensure inclusion of regardless of faith, beliefs, race or disability.

Cultural Education

Our children participate in an impressive range of artistic, musical, sporting and cultural opportunities. Their achievement within these areas is celebrated weekly during a whole school assembly during which trophies, awards and certificate are shown and discussed. All children in Class 4 learn to play an instrument. We have a strong professional relationship with Premier Sports and a local dance teacher who have provided PE lessons for the children, staff development and they also offer an after school club.

British Values

At North Duffield Community Primary School, we actively promote the fundamental British values through a British Value’s week as well as embedding the values into our curriculum

Democracy

Children show knowledge of Britain’s democratic parliamentary system through the School Council, House System, History curriculum and Good Behaviour policy and voting.

Rule of Law

Children are taught the difference between right and wrong through good role models linked to the school expectations and values, behaviour initiatives such as stickers, certificates, awards and Golden Time.

Individual Liberty

Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make productive choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights, be responsible for the decisions they make, personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE/SMSC sessions.

Mutual Respect

Mutual respect is at the heart of our school’s inclusive ethos. Children learn that their behaviour has an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect. At North Duffield Primary, we reinforce the understanding that we are all equal with different qualities, backgrounds, interests and personalities. We celebrate personal achievements and interests.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

Our school is situated in an area which is not greatly culturally diverse; therefore we place a great emphasis on promoting diversity with the children. Tolerance and understanding of different faiths and beliefs are promoted through our RE syllabus as children learn about different faiths, beliefs, religions and places of worship.

Assemblies form part of our development of children’s awareness of different faiths, religions and beliefs either directly or through the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures. Our RE, PSHCE and circle time teaching reinforce this.

Members of faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. Children have had opportunities to visit places of worship that are important to different faiths.