+++ Welcome to the Shebbear Community School website +++
Shebbear Community School

Shebbear, Beaworthy,

EX21 5SG

09:00 - 15:30

Monday to Friday

Shebbear Community School

Shebbear, Beaworthy,

EX21 5SG

09:00 - 15:30

Monday to Friday

British Values

Promoting British Values

Promoting British Values

At Shebbear Community School we are aware that our pupil population doesn’t necessarily represent the diversity seen in other parts of the country. The overwhelming majority of our children are classified as being White British. Despite this, understanding of diversity and the make up of modern Britain is good. This is because we teach the children, from a very young age, to respect others regardless of who they are. In this regard we are teaching a fundamental British value, that of understanding and acceptance of others.

This fundamental concept runs through the four different strands that make up the principles of promoting British values, namely:
– Values of democracy
– Rule of law
– Individual Liberty
– Mutual respect and tolerance

How do we teach these values?

Most of this work is taught through our normal school curriculum. For example mutual respect and tolerance is predominantly taught through subjects such as RE and PSHE. Children are taught that Britain is a predominantly Christian country but that other faiths are followed both around the world and in modern Britain. Lessons will explore the traditions of these faiths and how similarities exist with Christianity and some of the main differences. We promote that fact that all faiths are essentially about promoting unity and a peaceful way of life.

As part of this aim, we organised a whole school trip to Exeter in March 2020. The day included visits to the cathedral, mosque and synagogue. We are always mindful that our rural location in the south west means immediate access to other cultures is limited so this trip, coupled with our ongoing work in school, provided a fantastic experience for the children.

School assemblies are used to reinforce pupil understanding of faith and moral decisions that will face them. We try to teach children that some may choose to deliberately misinterpret the principles of a faith and the danger that this brings.

The other three strands are less obvious within the curriculum. Nevertheless opportunities do exist and teachers try to utilise these opportunities. For example many of our history lessons provide opportunities to teach and discuss these strands. From when children first enter the school they are taught the principles of fairness and, for example, taking their turn. During the trip to Exeter (mentioned above) our older pupils visited the Crown Court and had first hand experience of how a fair trial forms a crucial part of the judicial system.

All opportunities are used to promote these values. Many are fundamental aspects of our daily provision in school. We have high expectations of all our pupils and support the children in development as strong future citizens.

The school has a strong house system which promotes collective responsibility and runs through all aspects of school life. Pupils are taught about the importance of making a contribution to a collective cause and again the consequences of failing to do this.

Similarly we have a successful school council system. Representatives are voted for by their peers and all pupils are able to put forward their ideas to help improve the school. Throughout the school, children are given the opportunity to take on roles of responsibility such as class monitors.

As a school we continue to look for opportunities to actively promote British values. As our school curriculum continues to develop we will provide further opportunities to ensure young people understand the importance of respect and leave school fully prepared for life in modern Britain.”

Mr Alford

Headteacher

Skip to content