Promoting British Values at Burlington Junior School
The DfE have 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.”
At Burlington these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy
Each year the children decide upon their class charter and the rights associated with these. All the children contribute to the drawing up of the charter.
We have a student council which meets every week to discuss any issues raised by the classes and to organise events in school. 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.
Pupils are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and with concern to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard. We encourage pupils to take ownership of not only their school but also of their own learning and progress. This encourages a heightened sense of both personal and social responsibility and is demonstrated on a daily basis by our pupils.
The Rule of Law
The importance of rules and laws, whether they be those that govern our school or our country, are referred to and reinforced often, such as in assemblies and when reflecting on behaviour choices. At the start of the school year, each class discusses and sets its own Class Charter, a set of principles that are clearly understood by all and seen to be necessary to ensure that every class member is able to learn in a safe and ordered environment.
Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves, and the consequences when laws are broken. These values are reinforced in different ways:
• visits from authorities such as the police and fire service
• during Religious Education, when rules for particular faiths are thought about
• visits by councillors in assembly
• during other school subjects, where there is respect and appreciation for different rules – in a sports lesson, for example
Individual Liberty
At Burlington, 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 e-Safety, PSHE lessons and assemblies.
Mutual Respect
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. Sports leaders at school work as a team, promoting good behaviour and showing respect with one another.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
The school’s curriculum aims to develop understanding of the world. The RE and PSHE curricula provide opportunities for pupils to develop tolerance of and empathy towards those from different faiths, beliefs and cultures. The children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths. They have the opportunity to interview people who have different beliefs and faiths.
“My child loves this school.”
“What I like about Burlington Junior School is learning because if you listen carefully you will get smart and you will have a good education and you will get a good job.”
“Leaders encourage good mental health through nurture sessions and a
‘nature’ programme.”
“Leaders have high expectations of pupils’ behaviour.”
“I like Burlington Junior School because we get to go on trips.”
“Leaders provide a range of opportunities to develop pupils’ interests.”
“My child has settled well into Year 3. She enjoys Maths especially.”
“I like learning about history and the Romans and we are going on a trip to Murton Park.”
“My kids love it at Burlington Junior School.”
“Since implementation of Class Dojo we are much more aware of the things that happen whilst at school. Also the Dojo Points System is a great way to monitor progress.”
“My child has settled really well here, she feels happy and her hard work is recognised. Very pleased.”
“Leaders continue to develop a broad and balanced curriculum that raises pupils’ aspirations.”
“Staff, including those at the early stages of their careers, say they feel supported to fulfil their roles.”
“Leaders are keen to ‘sow the seeds of interest’ regarding careers.”
“Leaders are passionate about ensuring that all pupils receive the education they deserve.”
“My most favourite thing in Burlington Juniors is that we all help each other and that if someone is upset other people go and talk and play with them.”
“The school has
put in place a range of strategies and interventions to support pupils with their emotional health and well-being and behaviour.”
“Pupils speak
enthusiastically about the range of after-school activities on offer.”
“I like this school because we get to learn new things every day”
“In school I like the writing because you get to write about your favourite things. I love all the language you can use.”
“I like learning because I think learning is fun and it allows me to push myself and learn new things every day.”
“All 3 of my children are very happy at this school”.
“Communication with parents has improved recently, Class Dojo is a good addition. Good to see the topics for this half-term.”
“Leaders develop pupils’ experiences beyond the community, including
annual visits to London.”
“Daily phonics lessons and extra support in the afternoon take place for pupils who are at the early stages of reading.”
“I like doing writing and maths because in maths you get to learn different methods to answer questions and I like writing stories.”
“Would recommend this school 100%. My child is very happy.”
“The thing I like about Burlington Junior school is that the teachers are very nice and it’s easy to make new friends.”
“‘There is something for everyone.’ Clubs range from golfing, cheerleading, football and rugby to mindfulness, yoga and knitting.”
“Burlington Junior School is a wonderful school with great staff. They have helped me to become really independent whilst supporting me. I am really happy at this school.”
“Furthermore, leaders invite pupils to attend afterschool sessions to help them catch up quickly.”
“Leaders achieve this
through daily story-time sessions and ‘reading ambassadors’ who promote reading with their peers.”
“Good transition from Year 4- 5. My child is in a smaller class, well supported in English and Maths. Nurtured and settled.”
“Pupils take home books that match their phonics ability. This helps them to become confident and fluent readers.”
“Leaders strive to develop a curriculum that engages and inspires pupils.”
“My daughter is very happy at school and is doing well. I am pleased with her progress.”
“In English and mathematics, pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), remember what they have learned over time.”
“The best thing about Burlington Junior School is the lessons are fun and interesting and we always learn something new.”
“Both children have attended this school. Both have enjoyed it and have reached their potential.”
“Leaders plan aspects of the science curriculum in order to promote
engineering.”
“Parents comment that their children ‘really enjoy reading for pleasure’.”
“This is my third child to go all the way through Burlington and I would recommend this school every time.”
“Pupils are happy to
attend school. Parents say their children are ‘well cared for, feel safe and can be
themselves’.”
“Subject leaders are invited to share curriculum plans with governors.”
“Leaders create a positive environment where pupils flourish.”
“Behaviour and attendance continue to improve throughout school.”
