British Values @ TMS

The Department for Education state 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. The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy and these values were reiterated by the Prime Minister in 2014. At Threemilestone School these values are reinforced regularly.

Democracy

We promote an understanding of democracy by giving children access to Article 12 UNCRC; ‘Every child has the right to express their opinion’.

• Democracy is embedded at TMS
• Children are listened to by adults and taught to listen carefully and with concern for others, respecting the right of each individual to have their voices and opinions heard
• Democracy is practised when voting in our PALs (Pupils As Leaders). and Reading Champions biannually 
• The difference between countries ruled by a democracy and a dictator are revisited in assemblies.
• Governance and Monarchy are threads going through the substantive knowledge in our history curriculum, which regularly unpicks the meaning of democracy, how it started and periods in time, or countries, which are not governed by democracy.

Rules of law

The importance of laws is consistently reinforced throughout the school day.

• The rules of TMS are established with simplicity and referred to constantly – Treat others with respect and kindness, Make thoughtful choices, Speak with honesty and integrity. Children understand that we have rules to keep us safe and happy.
• Children relate our school rules to the law and understand that we have laws in our country to keep us safe.
• Children are taught the value and reasons behind the laws that govern and protect us, the responsibilities that thai involves and the consequences when laws are broken
• Y6 children are involved in an anti social behaviour project with the police

Individual liberty

Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment.

• Children understand that because of the sensible nature of law making (i.e. to keep us safe) we have the freedom to make our own choices in a safe and supportive environment. 
• As long as children respect the rights of others, then they are free to pursue our ambitions, free from limitation and discrimination. 
• In the UK our Human Rights are protected by law. 
• At TMS, we believe that by encouraging and celebrating self esteem, self awareness and self confidence, children are able to make their own decisions and stand up for what they believe in

Mutual Respect

Respect is at the heart of our ethos.

• Children at TMS have the understanding that mutual respect is understanding that we do not all share the same beliefs and values.
• Society needs to repeat the values and beliefs of others whilst not imposing our own in order to live in a civilised world.
• For our children in their immediate context, it is about supporting a football of their choice, or liking particular music, and ensuring that a lack of respect is appropriately challenged.
• In the wider context, staff are aware of the largely monocultural catchment of TMS and challenging stereotypes, ensuring that correct information is learnt and exposure to diversity across the curriculum is crucial to our children’s lives.

Tolerance

Threemilestone School is an inclusive school.

• Our TMS rules state clearly ‘Treat people with respect’ and this ensures tolerance of those who have different faiths and beliefs. At TMS, children understand faiths and beliefs through RE and PSHE.
• Beliefs, tradition and customs are studied in depth, with visitors being invited to our school, to extend our community.
• Though tolerance, children gain an enhanced understanding of their place in a multi cultural and diverse society.