British Values

At Abingdon, we aim for our children to become responsible and fully rounded members of society who treat others with respect and tolerance, regardless of background. We promote the basic British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs in the following ways:

Democracy:
We have an elected School Council with members from KS2. The children go to the polls each year and we try to make the experience as realistic as we can with polling booths and forms. The Council meet weekly to discuss their views and ideas on a range of school issues are sought and they help make decisions. They do learning walks of the other children, most recently for Health and Safety, and our Non- negotiables. and give feedback. They also collect class views which they bring to their meetings and are involved in fund raising for the school.

Staff encourage children to see their role in the bigger picture, encouraging  children to know that their views count, to value each other’s views and talk about their feelings, for example when they do or do not need help. When appropriate, children and staff demonstrate democracy in action, for example, children sharing views on what story to read with a show of hands.

The Rule of Law:
Children are taught about the values of the school and our 3 Core Values, alongside this is a set of non-negotiables - 'musts' in terms of their behaviour.  Pupils are taught the importance of, and reasons behind these, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when the non-negotiables are not kept. We have a variety of rewards when children follow them including whole class dojo rewards, certificates in assembly, hot chocolate with the Headteacher These show children that our rules are special and in keeping them they will be rewarded.

Individual Liberty:
Pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment.  Making choices is crucial to the way we want our children to learn and this is taught through assemblies, circles and PHSE work. Through our work we discuss different choices that the children can make and encourage them to make the right choices. We teach online safety as a key component of the computing curriculum and the importance of making safe choices when online.

Staff encourage a range of experiences that allow children to explore the language of feelings and responsibility, reflect on their differences and understand that we are free to have different opinions,

Mutual Respect:
Respect is at the heart of our school and is one of our core values. We are an inclusive school where everyone is valued and has a contribution to make to the school. Staff create an ethos of inclusivity and tolerance where views, faiths, cultures and races are valued and children are engaged with the wider community. Children acquire a tolerance and appreciation of and respect for other cultures. Staff encourage and explain the importance of tolerant behaviours such as sharing and respecting other’s opinions. Staff promote diverse attitudes and challenge stereotypes, for example, sharing stories that reflect and value the diversity of children’s experiences and providing resources and activities that challenge gender, cultural and racial stereotyping.

During their time at Abingdon children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:
All different faiths and beliefs are explored and celebrated through the texts we use, the artists and scientists we learn about and the topics we study and the celebrations we mark as a school.

The children are taught that people have different faiths and beliefs and that these should be accepted. Children within our school with different faiths are encouraged to share their practices and special celebrations.

We talk about this in circles and assemblies, throughout PSHE curriculum We have also involved outside agencies e.g. PCSOs came in to talk to Year 5 and 6 about Whats App and the way they have been using it as well as the consequences acting in that way can have. We also have a plan of assemblies and special days designed to promote cultural and social differences.