British Values & SMSC

British Values

Democracy

At Katherines Primary Academy, we ensure all pupils within the school have a voice that is listened to. We do this through regular communication with our pupils through whole school and class election processes and voting opportunities, pupil surveys, circle time and school council representatives. We demonstrate how democracy works by actively promoting democratic processes such as our pupil council, pupil advocates and class advocates. Each year we use real council ballot boxes and a full election takes place for a variety of issues. E.g. school pet, play equipment and book choices. During this time, and during English lessons, children have the opportunity to learn how to ague and defend points of view.

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced at Katherines Primary Academy. Our school has Katherines Community Charter, which is deeply embedded in our work every day and was developed by staff and children. Each class also discusses and sets its own code of conduct that is clearly understood by all and seen to be necessary to ensure that every class member is able to learn in a safe and ordered environment. Our 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. Each year we invite authorities in to visit the children to deliver messages about rules, responsibilities and consequences of choices.

Individual Liberty

Our children are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we provide boundaries for our pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and empowering learning. Our children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely; examples of this can be clearly seen in our e-safety and P.S.H.E. lessons. Whether it is through choice of challenge; of how they record; of participation in our numerous extra- curricular activities - our pupils are given the freedom to make choices.

Mutual Respect

Respect is one of the core values of our school and it is deeply embedded in all that we do at the school, especially through Katherines Community Charter. The pupils know and understand that it is expected and imperative that respect is shown to everyone - old and young, whatever differences we may have and to everything, however big or small. The core value of respect underpins our work every day both in and out of the classroom and in and out of the school.

Tolerance of Those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

Katherines Primary Academy enhances pupils’ understanding of different faiths and beliefs through religious education studies; PSHE work; visits to other schools in different settings to participate in celebrations such as Diwali; welcoming visitors from other schools and communities and enjoying a depth of study during themed weeks. Beliefs, traditions and customs are studied in depth, with visitors being invited in to our school to enrich and extend our children's and our community's understanding as well as visiting different places of worship throughout their schooling. Through this our pupils gain a deep understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and of their place in our global community.

SMSC

SMSC stands for Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development.

Spiritual

Explore beliefs and experience; respect faiths, feelings and values; enjoy learning about oneself, others and the surrounding world; use imagination and creativity; reflect.

Moral

Recognise right and wrong; respect the law; understand consequences; investigate moral and ethical issues; offer reasoned views.

Social

Use a range of social skills; participate in the local community; appreciate diverse viewpoints; participate, volunteer and cooperate; resolve conflict; engage with the 'British Values' of democracy, the rule of law, liberty, respect and tolerance.

Cultural

Appreciate cultural influences; appreciate the role of Britain's parliamentary system; participate in culture opportunities; understand, accept, respect and celebrate diversity.

At Katherines SMSC is developed throughout the curriculum and beyond. For an overview of some SMSC development opportunities outside of the classroom curriculum please take a look at the calendar below (NB: Other events will be added throughout the year):