British Values
At Marsden Infant and Nursery School, we are keen to develop children’s understanding of British Values. As a school we promote these values through the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of our children. They are an intrinsic part of our ethos and school culture. British Values are embedded throughout our learning and within the themes of our assemblies. We aim to ensure our children understand the importance of respect and leave our school prepared for the next step on their journey as they are prepared for life in modern Britain.
The Government has stated that British Values are:
- Democracy
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Mutual respect and tolerance for those of different faiths and beliefs.
Our School Code states that
In our school everyone has the right :-
- To feel and be safe
- To learn
- To be treated with respect
This school code underpins British Values which are reinforced regularly through the relationships, language and attitudes which are promoted in school as well as through many practical opportunities:
Democracy: Article 12 (UNCRC) states that ‘children have the right to have a say in matters that affect them’.
School has a well established system of democratic elections for members of the school council. Children are encouraged to identify foci for assemblies and are beginning to develop skills in leading these assemblies.
The Rule of Law: Article 41 (UNCRC) states that ‘if the laws of a country protect children better than the articles of the Convention then those laws must stay in place’.
School teaches children that everyone, children and adults alike are to be given respect. Adults are the duty bearers to ensure that children can access their rights and therefore must be respected as Article 3 states that ‘adults must act in the best interests of the child’. The third section of our code states , ‘everyone has the right to be treated with respect.’
Individual Liberty: Article 2 (UNCRC) states that ‘The Convention applies to everyone: whatever their race, religion or abilities, whatever they think or say, whatever type of family they come from’.
School has an inclusive approach where all children are recognized as individuals and their individual potential is ‘grown’.
Mutual Respect and Tolerance: Article 14 ( UNCRC) states that ‘every child has the right to think and believe what they want and to practice their religion as long as they are not stopping other people from enjoying their rights’.
Assemblies and Collective Worship teach respect for all, and R.E. lessons teach children about other faiths, children visit places of worship of other faiths.
Curriculum units of learning across the school encourage celebration of similarities and differences.
As a community school we enthusiastically take part in local, national and global celebrations and events, such as;
- Marsden's Remembrance Events, Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, Marsden Jazz Festival, Marsden Cuckoo Day, Tour de France, the Huddersfield Biennale Frestival, Red Nose Day, MacMillan Coffee Morning.
Social, moral, spiritual and cultural development
- Election of school councilors from every year group.
- MacMillan Coffee afternoon - fundraising for others.
- Harvest Celebration at St Bartholomew’s - ‘thank you ‘ theme.
- Bonfire themed lunch- link to history learning.
- Children in Need dressing up – fundraising for other children, Assembly to share work of the charity.
- School choir perform for Marsden ‘Christmas light switch on’ - developing respect for others through involvement in community activities.
- Themes Days (The Arts, Wellbeing) provide opportunity to work with children from across school and with parental volunteers.- developing mutual trust and respect for others.
- Year 2 Remembrance learning on WW1 includes a visit to the local cenotaph.
- Displays by the school in the Church/poppies outside and banners
- Supported community food collections in aid of crisis work of the Huddersfield ‘Welcome Centre’ . The School Councillors deliver our donations to the centre.
- Nursery children visit local shops/cafes as part of topic work on developing respect and pride in their local community.
- Christmas Performances
Social, moral, spiritual and cultural development
- Red Nose day – Staff and children dress up and raise funds for this charity. During Collective Worship we ensure children are aware of how the money raised is used to benefit others.
- World Book Day- Staff and children dress up as book characters. Assembly is led by our Literacy leader. World Book Day quiz information is shared with teacher for use with classes. Letter to parents informing them of how we are celebrating world book day including website links.
- National Trust- engaging in community Cuckoo Day events.
- Annual Pantomime Performance for the whole school with staging, lighting and sound effects. This is a social and cultural experience.
- School Council- election of representatives from all year groups. Children make posters prior to voting taking place. This supports an early understanding of democracy.
- The Whole School Learning Days are based around problem solving activities. Children work in groups ( R-year2) with staff in each classroom in school developing mutual trust and respect for others.
- Kirklees Music sessions ( paid for by parents).
- Musical Instrument recitals for children during assemblies provide a cultural experience.
- KS1 and EYFS Disco’s run by INFO ( parents fund raising group) - building relationships and respect within the school community.
- Year 2 Pirate theme- supported work on morals and rules
- Strictly Pennine Dance Festival- Children performed at Lawrence Batley Theatre benefitted from this cultural and social event which was celebrated with the whole school.
- Eco Club - moral and social awareness of world issues.
- Spanish club- cultural aspects covered in addition to language skills.
- Individual/small groups asking to lead Collective worship on matters of importance to them.
