British Values and Cultural Capital
Promoting British Values at Hawksworth CE Primary School
The DfE have reinforced the need “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.”
Our Mission Satement
We aim to provide the highest quality education, for each and every child, in partnership with parents, within a happy, respectful and tolerant Christian community.
‘Love your neighbour as you love yourself’ (Matthew 22:39)
Democracy:
Democracy is embedded within the school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council. The elections of House Captains, the School Council and various other roles in school are based solely on pupil votes. Our school behaviour policy involves rewards which the pupils vote on as a class group.
The Rule of Law:
The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout the regular school day, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws or rules, 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 Services are regular parts of our school calendar and help reinforce this message.
Individual Liberty:
Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. 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 are advised on how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety, RE and PSHE lessons. Whether it be through choice of challenge, of how they record, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
Mutual Respect:
Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy has revolved around values such as respect and inclusion. Pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown. This is reiterated through our classroom and school rules, as well as our behaviour policy.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:
This is achieved through enhancing pupils understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. This is done specifically through PSHE, RE and Collective Worship, as well as across the whole curriculum where relevant.
We use the scheme, Discovery RE. The scheme has enabled teachers 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. See below to see how this has been achieved.
Cultural Capital
Cultural Capital at Hawksworth CE Primary School
The ‘Aims’ section of the National Curriculum, states of Cultural Capital:
‘It is the essential knowledge that pupils need to be educated citizens, introducing them to the best that has been thought and said and helping to engender an appreciation of human creativity and achievement.’
What is meant by ‘Cultural Capital?’
Cultural Capital is the growth and development of knowledge, behaviours, skills and attitudes that lead a child to becoming a competent and confident member of society. Cultural Capital is about empowerment, to enable social mobility for all children, no matter what their starting point is.
How do we at Hawksworth CE Primary School support our children to succeed?
At Hawksworth, we look to the future and ask ourselves what we can do to equip our children to succeed in life. We aim to gradually widen children’s experiences as they progress through the school. We provide a rich, broad and engaging curriculum, which considers the needs of the individual and focus on the end goal of a well-rounded, capable citizen.
Building Cultural Capital at Hawksworth CE Primary
Children arrive at school with a wide range of different experiences. Cultural Capital is the essential knowledge that children need to prepare them for their future success. It is about giving children the best possible experience.
Examples of how Hawksworth CE Primary School develop our children’s Cultural Capital (but not limited to):
- Rich and extensive PSHE curriculum, looking at themselves and the world around them.
- Transition support through each age/class phase.
- Mental Health & well-being provision.
- Children have the opportunity to play a range of musical instruments.
- A strong rounded Physical Education curriculum.
- An expansive collective worship curriculum.
- Cycling proficiency training.
- Residential trips.
- A broad RE curriculum.
- Supporting the faiths of all children.
- Visits to the local area, including religious buildings.
- Contribution to local and national charitable projects.
- Spanish taught by a specialist Spanish/MfL teacher to all children.
- Wide ranging library of books and a school reading scheme.
- Essential mathematical life skills, such as time, money and real-life problem solving, in maths.
- A focus on the world around us and how that effects our future.
- Swimming lessons for children.
- Internet safety and essential computer skills.
- Study of many world cultures, in Geography, History and RE.
- Providing books and learning linked to children's interests and helping them to develop new ones.
- Setting up memorable practical activities which help children make positive memories which inspire them to learn more.
- Inviting visitors in to school to talk to the children about their jobs, hobbies and interests.
- Linking our learning to our local area - helping our children to see how they fit into their community.
- Working with other local schools in our trust: The Aireborough Learning Partnership Trust.
- Providing music lessons and sporting activities.
- Introducing our children to a wide range of literature, art and music from a range of cultures.
- Encouraging our children to give back to their own community and other communities around the world.
- Nurturing leadership potential.