Teaching British Values for life in modern Britain

We teach a values -based education based on tolerance, fairness, respect for others and their faiths, equality, friendship and understanding of the rule of law and democracy. We believe these to be the key to build mature and responsible attitudes so that our pupils are ready to take their place in modern Britain. These values are displayed on the back wall in the School Hall and are regularly referred to during Assemblies as well as in class during Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) sessions.

We value the backgrounds of all of our pupils and families and celebrate similarities and differences in our community and the wider world.

1. Our global links with a school in Malawi and our involvement in Rights Respecting Schools encourages a greater understanding of how life is similar and different. A range of practical investigations every term have included topics on Water, Deforestation, Food, Waste and Litter. There is a tab on the School website which goes into more detail.
2. Our wide range of Creative Curriculum topics have strong links to the past as well as the present and enables the pupils to understand how life in modern Britain has evolved. Our pupils enjoy learning about people in the past and in particular those who have had an impact on the modern world and our community. Pupils are taught about significant periods in British history and are encouraged to identify these in chronological order. The ‘Classes’ tab on the School website provides more information and includes educational visits.
3. The RE curriculum is planned directly from the new 2014 Bexley syllabus, and is based on key faiths. As a result pupils learn respect for others which is based on a deeper knowledge and understanding.

Democracy

All stakeholders have a voice and contributions are valued from adults and children. Elections for the Head Boy, Girl and their Deputies involve speeches and campaigns. Votes are also taken for House Captains and Vice Captains, Schools Council and Sports Council. We encourage our pupils to have opinions in an environment where they feel safe to disagree with each other.

Living within the law of modern Britain

An understanding of the importance of why rules are necessary underpins our relationships with others and their property, whether in School, the local and wider Community and the World. Pupils are taught the importance of keeping safe, both physically and in terms of e-safety. Regular visits from the Police are timetabled and help us to reinforce our high expectations of behaviour both in and outside School.

Individual Liberty

This the understanding that, as long as we do not break the law, we can live as we choose and have our own opinions about things. At Danson, we ensure the children understand that they have a voice and are listened to. All of the children at Danson have the right to share their opinions but they also understand that they have the responsibility to listen and considered to those of others. During our PSHE lessons children particularly demonstrate this value. We have worry boxes in all classrooms to ensure that all children are listened to and understood.

Mutual respect

The children of Danson understand that they might not always agree with other people, but they show respect for their thoughts and feelings. They are respectful and expect others to show respect in return. This is demonstrated in all aspects of the children’s daily lives whether it be within the classroom environment or outside in the playground.

Tolerance of those of different faith and beliefs

This is the acceptance that other people might have different beliefs to our own as well as belonging to different religions. At Danson we encourage the children to have a good understanding of other faiths and cultures. We do this in many different ways including our specific Religious Education lessons as well as the specific special days that take place to celebrate different cultures and faiths. This allows the children to develop a considerate approach to those who are different to themselves and thus making them tolerant.