British Values

The Expression of British Values at

Oakley Church of England Combined School

Democracy

We teach pupils how they can influence decision-making through the democratic process and encourage pupils to become involved in decision-making, ensuring that children have a voice in school.

Children have many opportunities for their voice to be heard.  We have a School Council which meets regularly to discuss issues raised in class council meetings.  The council has a ‘real’ voice and is able to genuinely effect change within the school.  Two School Council members for each class within the school are voted in by the children in that class.

We also have School Captains who represent the houses of Chiltern, Rothschild, Blenheim and Chequers and are each responsible for agreeing a chosen charity to support during the year.

The Rule of Law

The importance of Laws, whether they be those that ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the class, the school, the community or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout the school day and through daily collective worship.  Pupils are taught the values 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 within the school.

Individual Liberty

At Oakley, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment.  As a school we teach and provide boundaries for our children to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and an empowering curriculum.  Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are taught how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety, PHSE and RE lessons.  Whether it is through a choice of learning challenge, of how they record, or participation in our range of extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to and are actively encouraged to make choices.

Mutual Respect

As a school undertaking the journey to become a ‘Rights Respecting School’, 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 and that all members of the school community should treat each other with respect, learning to disagree in a respectful way.  Together, our School Values love, honesty and respect form the basis of our whole school ethos.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

Oakley is a Church of England School.  We place a great emphasis on promoting diversity with the children.  Given our inclusive nature, our pupils are extremely tolerant and respectful of people from different backgrounds, especially people with disabilities, learning difficulties or LGBT.  Collective worship is regularly planned to include stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures.  Our RE and PSHE teaching reinforce these. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.

At Oakley, we will actively challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to British Values, including ‘extremist’ views.

September 2022