Modern British Values

At Leigh Academy Molehill we recognise the importance of Modern British Values and how they can impact on children both academically and socially. Modern British Values are broadly defined as an understanding of:

  • Democracy
  • Rule of Law
  • Individual Liberty
  • Mutual Respect
  • Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

These values are integral to so many other countries in the world and are central to the way in which our pupils learn. Our children are taught explicitly through Personal, Social, Health and Emotional (PSHE), and Religious Education (RE) about these values. We also teach British Values through planning and delivering a broad and balanced curriculum.

Democracy

We promote the idea of democracy through our school council. Every class is represented by a school council member who is voted in by their fellow classmates. The elected school council members are expected to attend regular meetings and feedback to their class. This fosters the concept of freedom of speech and group action to address need and concerns of the school.

Rule of Law

The importance of laws and rules, whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days. This year we have developed our Visions and Values that underpin our school values. Our system for behaviour is aligned to an agreed set of codes and if children are given verbal warnings this is always set against the agreed school behaviour policy.

Visits from authorities such as the police, fire service, magistrates etc. are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message.

To encourage and promote good behaviour, attitude and work, we have devised a reward system which is consistently followed throughout the school. We are committed to praising children’s efforts.  We endeavour to praise the children informally, individually, during group work, in front of the whole class and in our weekly celebration assemblies.  Children are rewarded not only for achievement in curriculum areas, but for behaviour and general adherence to the school rules. These rewards are also shared with parents through postcards being sent home.

Individual Liberty

Children at our school are encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment, and this way develop their understanding of individual liberty.  Our behaviour policy is built around the need for all members of the community to show respect to each other.

Children learn about rights and personal freedoms and the responsibilities that come with choice and that with every choice there are good and bad consequences. They are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our e-Safety teaching. Pupils are given the freedom to make choices, e.g. signing up for extra-curricular clubs, which learning challenge or activity they will tackle and how they record their learning.

Mutual Respect

Our pupils know and understand that it is expected and imperative that respect is shown to everyone, whatever differences and similarities we may have, and to everything, whether it is a school resource, a religious belief or any other elements of school or personal life. Children learn that their choices have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community should treat each other with respect.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

We teach our children that our community is a culturally diverse society. Our PSHE and RE curricula seek to enhance pupils’ understanding of their place in their community. Within their community they will encounter people who have different beliefs from their own. Our school community accepts children from different faiths. Tolerance of these different faiths and beliefs is promoted in RE as children gain a greater understanding of religious diversity and practices for those religions represented in the UK. We use opportunities such as our established link with Chigombe School in Malawi and events such as the Olympics and World Cup to study and learn about life and culture in other countries.