In accordance with The Department for Education, we aim to actively promote British values in schools to ensure young people leave school prepared for life in modern Britain. Pupils are encouraged to regard people of all faiths, races and cultures with respect and tolerance and understand that while different people may hold different views about what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, all people living in England are subject to its law.

The Key Values are:

• Democracy
• Rules and law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect
• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

Being part of Britain

As a school, we value and celebrate the diverse heritages of everybody at Abbot's Hall School. Alongside this, we value and celebrate being part of Britain. In general terms, this means that we celebrate traditions, such as customs in the course of the year; for example, Harvest festival during the Autumn term. We also value and celebrate national events for example - Poppy appeal, Children in Need, Jubilee Celebrations.

Democracy

Children, parents and staff have many opportunities for their voices to be heard at Abbot's Hall School. 

An obvious example is our  Rights Respecting School Steering Group within the School Council. The election of the RRS School Council members reflects our British electoral system and demonstrates democracy in action: candidates make speeches, pupils consider characteristics important for an elected representative, pupils vote in secret using ballot boxes etc. Made up of two representatives from each class, the School Council meets regularly to discuss issues raised by the different classes.

Our pupils and staff also each belong to a 'House'. The pupils are rewarded with House Points throughout the half term and the winning House will be awarded a non-uniform day.  Phase leaders and class teachers link the British Values themes to their Collective Worship sessions. 

Other examples of ‘pupil voice’ are:

• Using Pupil Book Look's alongside SLT or subject leaders, children are asked to respond and reflect on the teaching and learning in their class. These responses inform planning and curriculum development for teachers and leaders. 

Pupils are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and with concern to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard. We encourage pupils to take ownership of not only their school but also of their own learning and progress. This encourages a heightened sense of both personal and social responsibility and is demonstrated on a daily basis by our pupils.

Rules and Laws

The importance of rules and laws, whether they be those that govern our school or our country, are referred to and reinforced often, such as in assemblies and when reflecting on behaviour choices. Through our House system, positive behaviours and learning can be reinforced by pupils earning a House Token. The House with the most tokens at the end of each half term is rewarded with a day of wearing non-uniform in their own House colour.

Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves, and the consequences when laws are broken. These values are reinforced in different ways:

• Visits from authorities such as the police and fire service.
• During Religious Education, when rules for particular faiths are thought about.
• During other school subjects, where there is respect and appreciation for different rules – in a sports lesson or at Forest School for example.

Individual Liberty

Within school, everyone is actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment.  The school provides pupils with opportunities to learn about what makes a good choice. Pupils are encouraged to express their views and teaching and learning incorporates their preferences and interests.

Mutual Respect

At Abbot's Hall School, values of respect and tolerance permeate all areas of school life.  This promotes a climate within which pupils feel safe and secure and facilitates the fulfilment of potential.  All staff demonstrate respect to everyone with whom they come into contact. They consistently model and promote the behaviours and attitudes that are the foundation of positive relationships. The strong school ethos encourages everyone to consider and support each other and to celebrate the worth and individuality of every member of the school community. Our House system promotes this respect. Children and staff are placed in House families, so that siblings and family members are together. Pupils are encouraged to work respectfully across year groups, such as Sports Ambassadors, Reading Buddies, Head Boy/ Girl and prefects.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

The school’s curriculum aims to develop understanding of the world.  The RE and PSHE schemes of work provide opportunities for pupils to develop tolerance of and empathy towards those from different faiths, beliefs and cultures.