At Heatherlands Primary School we promote ‘British Values’ through our spiritual, moral, social and cultural education, which permeates through the schools’ curriculum and supports the development of the ‘whole child’. We recognise that such development is most successful when those values and attitudes are promoted by all the staff and provide a model of behaviour for our pupils.

‘British Values’ have been identified as:

Democracy: The ability to communicate is the most important area of learning. At Heatherlands Primary School we ensure that pupils are given a ‘voice’ to communicate. We empower our pupils by giving them opportunities to make choices about the things that they believe to be important. By valuing each ‘voice’ and by listening and responding to that voice we demonstrate that we support democracy and liberty.

Rule of Law: We involve pupils in setting codes of behaviour; helping pupils to make decisions and choices that are acceptable to the school community and society at large. Pupils are helped to learn to manage their behaviour and take responsibility for their actions. Staff are committed to providing a consistent and predicable environment within the school and beyond. We can help some pupils to understand the connection between actions and consequences. This type of environment enables pupils to feel safe and secure; this in turn, promotes the optimum conditions for learning to take place.

Individual Liberty: Pupils are encouraged to become good and valued citizens. We do this by supporting each pupil to become as independent as possible. We endeavour to demonstrate that everyone has rights; this includes the right to say ‘No’ when appropriate. Some pupils will be able to take responsibility for particular roles and to understand that with certain rights comes a level of responsibility. Learning to do things independently is an important part of learning to understand yourself. We support others by participating in local community and national events and charitable events such as, Fair-trade, Children in Need, and Local Charities. We believe that by engendering a caring and helpful environment and by learning to be independent can boost and nurture a healthy self-esteem.

Mutual Respect: We promote each pupil’s inclusion, where possible, in a range of activities and settings and locations. Events and circumstances are planned for pupils to go into the community to meet with a range of people in a variety of situations which include: sports events, community events and shared participation with other schools within and beyond our MAT.

Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs: We serve a multi-faith community where each person is respected and valued equally without regard to ability, gender, faith, heritage or race. Cultural appreciation and development forms part of our curriculum. We place great emphasis on providing encounters and participation in events and celebrations to broaden all pupils’ experiences and awareness of others. Pupils are encouraged to experience British Culture through our curriculum themes. We take part in local sporting activities which helps to instil ‘fair play’ and engender a ’team spirit’. For example, children have the opportunity to participate in football, netball, athletics and swimming competitions. The staff work closely with parents, carers and other professionals to ensure that the pupils school are happy, well cared for and enabled to learn the skills they need to live a fulfilling life as part of their community.

British Values by Leyton Westlake

The British Value of Individual Liberty would have been our focus in school this half term. Have a look at the poster from Picture Primary Newspaper and decide what you think about the need to test. Have your say. Let us know your opinions...

Voting has now closed!

The results of the votes have been counted and verified...

Early Years – Should we eat more vegetables?
For: 71 Against: 19

Year 1 – Should we have bonfires in our gardens?
For: 19 Against: 64

Year 2 – Should we drive to school?
For: 23 Against: 63

Year 3 – Should the school ban plastic?
For: 47 Against: 36 Both: 1 void paper

Year 4 – Should Poole remain twinned with Cherbourg?
For: 53 Against: 30

Year 5 – Should we wear school uniform?
For: 21 Against: 67

Year 6 – Should tourists continue to visit the Jurassic Coast?
For: 38 Against: 47

Voting is well underway. Years 3, 2 and 5 have already voted this morning and their votes have been counted...

It is polling week at Heatherlands.

The topics decided upon have been discussed and debated in class and now it's time to hear our children's voices!

EYFS – Should we eat more vegetables?
Y1 – Should we have bonfires in our gardens?
Y2 – Should we drive to school?
Y3 – Should the school ban plastic?
Y4 – Should Poole remain twinned with Cherbourg?
Y5 – Should we wear school uniform?
Y6 – Should tourists continue to visit the Jurassic coast?

Democracy

This week we have introduced the 2nd British value to the children in assembly. Each year group are going to be given a question to discuss and debate and then on the week beginning the 18th November they will have a chance to visit the Heatherlands polling station and cast their vote 'for or against'.

These are the questions to be debated:

EYFS- Should we eat more vegetables?

Y1 – Should we have bonfires in our gardens?

Y2 – Should we drive to school?

Y3 – Should the school ban plastic?

Y4 – Should Poole remain twinned with Cherbourg?

Y5 – Should we wear school uniform?

Y6 – Should tourists continue to visit the Jurassic coast?

What would your vote be?