British Values

At Holly Grove Primary School we take very seriously our responsibility to prepare children for life in modern Britain. We value the ethnic backgrounds of all pupils and families and undertake a variety of events and lessons to celebrate and explore these alongside other cultures in our country.

Our staff ensure that the fundamental British Values are introduced, discussed and lived out through the ethos and work of the school. All curriculum areas provide a vehicle for furthering understanding of these concepts. Our cross curricular approach provides excellent opportunities to deepen and develop understanding of the spiritual, moral, social and cultural education of our children.

The school makes considerable efforts to ensure children have exposure to a wide experience beyond their local community during which these concepts are shown, through for example, voluntary work, sporting events, a range of visits and use of outdoor education centres. Their strong rooted values-based understanding gives them an excellent platform for embracing difference. At Holly Grove, we value the voice of the child and promote democratic processes such as our school council whose members are voted for by the children. Ideas and events are planned and discussed with a chance for debate and putting forward points of view. Through the use of Philosophy for Children (P4C) children learn to debate and argue a point of view and to value the opinions of others. Children are given responsibility to lead other children in games and activities so that they are fully involved in all aspects of school life. For instance, our older children are play leaders, learning ambassadors, peer mediators and help to promote our core values. We expect all our children to be good role models for each other, which is encouraged through high expectations of behaviour.

The Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values have been reiterated in 2014. At Holly Grove these values are reinforced regularly through PSHE, Anti-Bullying, assemblies and first hand experiences. 

Democracy and The Rule of Law

Each year the children decide upon their class rules and the rights associated with these. All children contribute to the drawing up of the charter.

We have a student council which meets on a regular basis to discuss issues raised n class council meetings. Every child on the student council is voted in by their class.

Children have an annual questionnaire where they are able to put forward their views about the school. Through the teaching of PSHE children learn about the British democratic process and values.

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at Holly Grove.

Pupils are taught from an early age the rules of the school. These are our Golden Rules, Playground Rules and Safety Rules. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help reinforce this message.

Individual Liberty

At Holly Grove, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our Online Safety and PSHE lessons.

Mutual Respect

Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect, which is promoted through our weekly TORCH values.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

We actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures. Religious Education lessons and PSHE lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others. Tolerance of others is also promoted as part of our TORCH values.