At Lowedges Junior Academy, we understand that everyone has a duty to ‘actively promote’ the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.  These values were first set out by the government in the ‘Prevent’ strategy in 2011.

At Lowedges Junior Academy these values are taught, promoted and reinforced regularly throughout daily teaching, specific RSHE lessons and assemblies. Our pupils take great pride in singing their British Values song in assemblies: a song that was produced by staff to make these five values stick. We further reinforce the British Values throughout activities within school:

Democracy

Pupils have many opportunities for their voices to be heard.  We have Academy Cabinet Ambassadors who meet regularly to discuss issues raised by pupils within their classes. There are a wide range of leadership roles for pupils to take up that require a balloting system for peers to vote for their preferred candidate: The Academy Cabinet Ambassadors, Reading Ambassadors, Active Travel Ambassadors and lunchtime responsibilities

Lowedges Junior Academy also -

• Provides pupils with a broad general knowledge of, and promotes respect for, public institutions and services.
• Teach pupils how they can influence decision-making through the democratic process.
• Encourage pupils to become involved in decision-making processes and ensure they are listened to in school.
• Use role play and other drama techniques, so pupils learn how to argue and defend points of view.
• Help pupils to express their views.
• Model how perceived injustice can be peacefully challenged.

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 Lowedges Junior Academy. Pupils are taught from an early age the rules of the school. These are called our 'Golden Rules'. 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, Fire Service and Road Safety Officers help reinforce this message.

Lowedges Junior Academy also –

• Ensure school rules and expectations are clear and fair.
• Help pupils to distinguish right from wrong.
• Help pupils to respect the law and the basis on which it is made.
• Help pupils to understand that living under the rule of law protects individuals.
• Teach pupils aspects of both civil and criminal law and discuss how this might differ from some religious laws.
• Develop restorative justice approaches to resolve conflicts.

Individual Liberty

At Lowedges Junior Academy, 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 safely, through provision of a safe environment and 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 E-Safety and RSHE lessons. Whether it is through choice of learning challenge, of how they record, of participation in our numerous extra- curricular clubs and opportunities or their choice of lunchtime meals, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.

Lowedges Junior Academy also -

• Support pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence.
• Encourage pupils to take responsibility for their behaviour, as well as knowing their rights.
• Challenge stereotypes.
• Implement a strong anti-bullying culture.

Each half term, pupils take part in celebration assemblies and the talents and achievements that make them who they are shared. 

Mutual Respect

Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Pupils 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 part of the behaviour policy, dojo points are used to promote children showing high levels of respect towards other children, school and the wider community.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

At Lowedges Junior Academy, we place great emphasis on promoting diversity with all pupils.  Assemblies and story times are regularly planned either directly or through the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures. The RE and RSHE curriculum reinforce this.  Learning incorporates faiths and beliefs of different countries.  Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and academy.  Pupils visit places of worship that are important to different faiths.  At Lowedges Junior Academy, we will actively challenge pupils, staff or parents for expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views.

Lowedges Junior Academy also –

• Promotes respect for individual differences.
• Help pupils to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life.
• Challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour.
• Organise visits to places of worship, or visitors to the academy.
• Develop links with faith communities.
• Develop critical personal thinking skills.
• Discuss differences between people, such as differences of faith, ethnicity, disability, gender or sexuality and differences in family situations, such as looked-after children or young carers.