The DfE has recently 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.” 

Supported by values that define our culture and ethos, shaping the 'Feniscowles Child':

Democracy

Democracy forms an important part of life at Feniscowles Primary. Each year the children decide upon their class responsibilities (charter) based on our 3 Rules:

Be Ready     Be Respectful   Be Safe 

In addition, each class agree their own weekly class target to develop a collective energy towards upholding the 3 rules and their own class charter.  This is celebrated through a visible recognition board in each classroom.

We have a student council which meets every 2 weeks with the School Council Lead. The school council will meet with SLT to present their ideas when required and reports to the Governing Body on a termly basis.  Every child on the student council is voted in by their class.

Children have an annual questionnaire where they are able to put forward their views about the school.  Their views are then considered and changes made accordingly to the next academic year. E.g. Rewards and Sanctions 

We are in a privileged position that our school building is used as a Polling Station for elections, giving us the opportunity to gain some understanding of how voting works. We hold yearly elections to elect our House Captains. This involves all the children having the right to vote and provides them with an understanding of how a democracy works. We look to invite visitors who can talk to the children about the democratic process. 

The rule of law

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at Feniscowles Primary School. 

Pupils are taught from an early age the 3 rules of the school. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and 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. Through their Physical Education lessons children also learn about fairness and following rules for common enjoyment.

Individual liberty

At Feniscowles Primary, 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 informed choices, through a safe environment and an 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 eSafety and PSHE lessons.  We hold yearly elections to appoint a house captain where all children have the right to vote. We also have a safeguarding policy, where children’s views are taken into account and appropriate action is taken following this. 

Mutual Respect

This is an integral aspect of life at Feniscowles Primary. We expect our learners to be respectful, confident and positive individuals. We encourage every child to care about, and have respect for, their learning, each other and our environment. By being socially and emotionally intelligent, understanding about themselves and each other, our children will make the right choices and experience positive relationships now and in the future.  This is clearly promoted in our own school values and curriculum.

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. As a school we come together for collective worship and celebration assembly.  

Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

We actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures. Religious Education lessons and RSHE reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others. 

The children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths to learn about different religions, beliefs and culture. There is also daily collective worship. We teach children the values of their own opinions as well as those of others.

Through our curriculum we look to provide opportunities to work with children from other faiths and backgrounds, preparing them well for life in a diverse borough.