The Government set out their definition of British Values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy. 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'.

At Barnburgh Primary Academy we value the diversity of backgrounds of all pupils, families and wider school community.

The Department for Education defines British Values as follows:

• Respect for democracy and support or participation in the democratic process.
• Respect for the basis on which the law is made and applies in England.
• Support for equality of opportunity for all.
• Support and respect for the liberties of all within the law.
• Respect for and tolerance of different faiths and religious and other beliefs.

Our school reflects British Values in all that we do.  We aim to nurture our children on their journey through life so they can grow into safe, caring, democratic, responsible and tolerant citizens who make a positive difference to British society and to the world.  We encourage our children to be creative, unique, open-minded and independent individuals, respectful of themselves and of others in our school, our local community and the wider world.

At Barnburgh, we actively promote British Values in the following ways:

Democracy

• All children are encouraged to debate topics of interest, express their views and make a meaningful contribution to the running of the school on matters that directly involve pupils
• Children also have the opportunity to have their voices heard through pupil questionnaires and Pupil Voice sessions.
• We have an elected School Council and House Captains. This is used as an opportunity to promote and teach about democracy and the electoral process.
• We encourage volunteerism by raising money for local and national charities.
• Our children have had active involvement in the appointment of staff.

Rule of Law

• A home school agreement is in place to identify the role of the children, parents and school
• We have high expectations about pupil conduct and this is reflected in our Behaviour Policy. There are rewards for exhibiting good and caring behaviour and consistent demonstration of our values is recognised through such things as an ASPIRE assembly, house points and sports award certificates.
• Through our school assemblies, circle time and PSHCE children are taught how to earn trust and respect and are supported to develop a strong sense of morality; knowing right from wrong and doing the right thing even when it’s difficult.
• The local police officer / PCSO visits the school to talk to the children and explain about their role in society.
• Pupils are always supported to distinguish right from wrong, in the classroom, during collective worship and on the playground.
• Pupils are encouraged to respect the law understanding that it used to protect us and keep us safe.
• Pupils are taught about religious laws through Religious Education lessons.
• The Behaviour and Anti-Bullying policies set out a zero tolerance baseline for any form of aggression, abuse or violence, which extends to pupils, staff, parents and carers.

Individual Liberty

• Within school, pupils are actively encouraged, and given the freedom to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment.
•  Pupils are supported to develop their understanding that it is their responsibility as children of God to look after and care for His creation.
• Pupils are supported to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence.
• Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their behaviour and our pastoral support reinforces the importance of making the right choices.
• Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our e-safety teaching and Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) lessons.
• Vulnerable pupils are protected and stereotypes challenged. A strong anti-bullying culture is embedded in the school and any form of bullying is challenged and addressed. The school also operates a robust system of logging incidents.
• Children are taught how to keep themselves safe, including on-line. This is done through computing lessons, assemblies, PSHCE lessons and during anti-bullying week.
• Pupils have key roles and responsibilities in school e.g. Council Members, Classroom Monitors, House Captains and Digital Leaders.

Mutual Respect and Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs

• Respect is one of the core values of our school. The pupils know and understand that it is expected that respect is shown to everyone, adults and children.
• Pupils are supported in the understanding that we are all God's children and are made in His image and likeness, all of equal value. 
• Pupils are helped to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life.
• We have high expectations about pupil conduct and this is reflected in our Behaviour Policy.
• Staff and pupils are encouraged to challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour.
• Links and visits are promoted with local faith communities and places of worship.
• Through the PSHE and RE curriculums pupils are encouraged to discuss and respect differences between people, such as differences of faith, ethnicity, disability, gender or sexuality and differences of family situations.
• Collective Worship and discussions involving prejudices and prejudiced-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in Religious Education (RE) and PSHE.
• We offer a culturally rich and diverse curriculum in which all major religions are studied and respected

Picture News

Picture News is a resource which we use at Barnburgh to deliver class assemblies about current affairs in the news.  The resource is designed to provide opportunities for children to learn from our world and develop respect for other’s beliefs, feelings and faiths.  They encourage exploration, discussion, challenge and inspire our children to learn. It creates engaging and exciting lessons, allowing opportunities for our children to develop independence, resilience, respect and unlock their own drive and passion for learning. Teaching the news not only provides great content and stimulus but grips children’s attention.  It is current, happening now and so their voice is given meaning and purpose. It is our world and we all matter!

Each week Picture News choose a current news story, provide an image, a thought-provoking question.  Each image and thought-provoking question have a meaningful and relevant link to the British Values.