Colley Lane Primary Academy, Colley Lane, Halesowen, B63 2TN
Part of Windsor Academy Trust
Menu
Colley Lane Primary Academy
british values and PSHE at colley lane primary academy

British Values and SMSC

Purpose of study

The Department for Education states 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”.

Colley Lane Primary Academy has a whole school approach to British values and SMSC education. Each half term begins with a dedicated focus to British Values and SMSC, which is then woven into our curriculum for the rest of the term, encouraging children and staff to respect and promote the British Values.

We aim to ensure that all our pupils understand our country and the values that we hold. Our ASPIRE character and learner skills are closely linked with the British values to ensure a safe environment where we can all learn. These are the qualities we ASPIRE to promote as a school and develop in our pupils.

Our approach readies children for life in modern Britain and the wider world. Our curriculum provides many opportunities for children to engage in the principles of British Values and gives them opportunities to apply them to real situations. The following overview demonstrates how we promote the key principles of British Values at Colley Lane Primary Academy.

 Democracy

All students are given opportunities to make choices, every day, at a range of levels.

Student voice is undertaken by every subject leader and by year group leads to hear how the children are finding different aspects of school life. This then feeds into decision making processes and changes are made when needed.

Further examples of democracy in action in our school:

  • Voting within lessons, giving the children choices in their learning.
  • Class monitors and Student representatives.
  • Student Senate.
  • Year 6 head boy and girl.
  • Surveys, pupil voice and student questionnaires (school dinners, lifestyle, reading etc…) - allows children to become involved in the decision-making process and gives them a voice within our school.
  • Links with local MPs and Councillors who visit the school and speak to the pupils. This has led to Parliamentary visits and an understanding of how Democracy works.
  • RSE and history lessons help children understand the Monarchy, Parliament and the advantages and disadvantages of Democracy and how it works in Britain.

The Rule of Law

With the introduction of Class Dojo, each class selected 5 positive feedback points alongside positive feedback points for the ASPIRE character and learner skills. All children aim to gain these positive feedback points which will lead to a happy and safe learning environment for all.

Our RSE lessons encourage children to understand their place in the community. They learn that their choices lead to outcomes, teaching them how to make correct decisions. We encourage questioning and reasoning across our curriculum lessons.

Examples of Rule of Law in action in our school:

  • A Behaviour Policy that makes rules and expectations clear to all.
  • RSE lessons where children look at their role in the choices they make.
  • Parent/carers questionnaires.
  • Assemblies - school rules, ASPIRE.

Individual Liberty

Much of the work done with Individual Liberty is further reinforced through our PSHE, RE and SMSC curriculum. We refer to this as ‘Colley Lane and the Wider World’ and children are encouraged to look at themselves as well as their place in the wider society. We celebrate differences within our school and are proud of our heritage and cultures. Guest speakers and our links with the local community further demonstrate our support of everyone as individuals.

Examples of Individual Liberty in action in our school:

  • Class debates/Pupil Voice.
  • Behaviour Expectations/Class Dojo/ Friendship week
  • Class Dojo/ praise certificates
  • R.E, SMSC and RSE curriculum.
  • Extra-curricular activities such as choir and sporting clubs which allow children to express themselves and their interests.
  • ASPIRE.
  • Well-being Warriors

Mutual Respect and Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs

Children at Colley Lane are proud to be part of a diverse community where all cultures are respected. We ensure that our children are aware of the range of cultures and faiths both within our local community and within the Wider World. The differences are celebrated through stand-alone focus days as well as being entwined within our RE, RSE and SMSC curriculums.

Circle times, PSHE lessons and assemblies explore issues such as friendship, bullying, racism, respect and prejudice as well as current topical issues whilst our WAT Pledge aims to give children experiences of activities and places where we can see mutual respect first hand, such as parliament trips and visits to London.

Examples of mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs in action in our school:

  • RE curriculum and visits to places of worship.
  • RSE curriculum
  • British Values and SMSC focus days every half term.
  • Visitors from and links with the local community (e.g Food Bank, British Legion, Police, Religious Groups).
  • Shared worship and thoughts for the day – in assemblies and within the classroom.
  • Assemblies