The 2014 the DfE  published guidance “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.”

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At Queensbridge these values are embedded through our provision of SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social and cultural education) and in the following ways:

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Democracy

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Children 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- also through peer mediation and restorative justice in which we lead as a school in the South East and as a National Teaching School. All children are encouraged to ‘use their words’.

Pupils also have the opportunity to air their opinions and ideas through our School Council and regular questionnaires.  The elections of the School Council members are based solely on pupil votes, reflecting our British electoral system and demonstrating democracy in action. School council work not only to solve issues that the children raise but also have input into their curriculum and the standards of the school.

We hold an annual democracy week to learn more about local elections and council.

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The Rule of Law

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The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class (our class charters), the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. 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. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help reinforce this message.

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Individual Liberty

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Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. We are a lead Restorative Justice School and many international visitors come to see the way in which we practice this here at Queensbridge. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make choices safely, through provision of a safe environment and 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 E-Safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it be through choice of learning challenge, of how they record, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices. Peer mediators are trained in Y5 and are amazing in Y6 doing their job.

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Mutual Respect

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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. The children know and understand that it is expected and imperative that respect is shown to everyone, whatever differences we may have and to everything, however big or small. At the beginning of the year each class draws up a class charter to ensure everyone understands and agrees to be respectful to each other. Respect is a Queensbridge value. PSHE based work such as RSE and the R.E curriculum

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Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs

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Queensbridge is situated in an area of great cultural diversity and our school ethos and values are based around inclusion. Assemblies are regularly planned to address this issue either directly or through the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures. Our RE and PSHE teaching reinforce this. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. Children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths. Through this our children gain an enhanced understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society.