BRITISH VALUES

"I cannot lead you into battle.  I do not give you laws or administer justice but I can give my heart and my devotion to these old islands and to all the peoples of our brotherhood of nations​"

Queen Elizabeth II

The Department for Education has published guidance to schools on promoting British values to prepare young people for life in modern Britain.  At Milford Junior School we take this responsibility  very seriously and we actively promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs.

These concepts are explored through our curriculum and in all subjects but in Religious Education and PSHE and Citizenship, in particular, where children can deepen their understanding. We make great efforts to ensure our children are exposed to a wide range of experiences beyond their own community. We do this through school visits as well as via video conferencing with partner schools in China, Spain, Poland and beyond.  This enables children to embrace difference and celebrate commonality between peoples alongside developing a pride in Britishness and a sense of belonging to our nation.

Democracy

'Democracy and Freedom are dreams you never give up’.

At Milford Junior school we listen to the views of children and we do this through a variety of means including:

• Pupil surveys
• Circle time
• A thriving School Council elected by children, the School Council gathers information on the views of the curriculum and feeds back to staff.
• A strong element of team work and debating where children are encouraged to express clearly their view point and listen to the views of others respectfully
• Children take the initiative and lead in aspects of the school such as charitable appeals and fund raising.

The Rule Of The Law

 'True freedom requires the rule of law and justice, and a judicial system in which the rights of some are not secured by the denial of rights to others’.

Chief Rabbi, Jonathan Sacks

Our school rules and values promote the well-being of the individual and the school as a whole. Each class reinforces those rules/values and they are a central part of the school ethos. They include being kind, helpful, fair and polite to everyone in our school; looking after and taking care of things around us; trying hard to do our best in everything we do. The school has a positive behaviour policy that sets out rewards and sanctions. We encourage children to recognise rights and how these go hand in hand with responsibility.

Individual Liberty

‘One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen, can change the world.’

 Malala Yousafzai

We support children to make informed choices in a secure setting. Children develop self-respect and value themselves as individuals. Our school ethos, and methods of teaching, develop children’s independence as well as other qualities such as  collaboration and resilience.

Children are encouraged to achieve highly and work hard.  Through determination and self belief we foster ambition.  Visits from a range of adults across a variety of professions encourage all children to follow their dreams and to develop plans towards fulfilling their career goals.

Mutual Respect

‘We must learn to live together as brothers and sisters, or we will perish together as fools’.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Respect underpins our values and ethos. Respect is shown by all adults and children towards each other and towards our community. Our wide and broad curriculum supports this and helps children to articulate what respect means in practice. Children can talk about their own faith and beliefs as well as the faiths and beliefs of others. Our emphasis is one of unity around what unites us as human beings.

Tolerance Of Those With Different Faiths & Beliefs

 

‘The highest result of education is tolerance’

Helen Keller

Through Religious Education and PSHE, in particular, we deepen children’s understanding of faith and belief. We have an emphasis on British culture.

At Milford Junior School, we view these fundamental British values as universal moral beliefs that are commonly held across the world. We teach these through a distinct curriculum that recognises the unique culture of Britain whilst developing in our pupils a pride in being part of the British nation.

 

'Not every child has an equal talent or an equal ability or equal motivation, but they should have the equal right to develop their talent and their ability and their motivation, to make something of themselves.'

John F Kennedy