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.

“The best thing about Burlington Junior School is the lessons are fun and interesting and we always learn something new.”

Pupil Feedback

“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.”

Parent Feedback

“All 3 of my children are very happy at this school”.

Parent Feedback

“Leaders strive to develop a curriculum that engages and inspires pupils.”

Ofsted Feedback

“I like learning about history and the Romans and we are going on a trip to Murton Park.”

Pupil Feedback

“My child loves this school.”

Parent Feedback

“Pupils are happy to
attend school. Parents say their children are ‘well cared for, feel safe and can be
themselves’.”

Ofsted Feedback

“My daughter is very happy at school and is doing well.  I am pleased with her progress.”

Parent Feedback

“I like learning because I think learning is fun and it allows me to push myself and learn new things every day.”

Pupil Feedback

“Leaders plan aspects of the science curriculum in order to promote
engineering.”

Ofsted Feedback

“My child has settled well into Year 3.  She enjoys Maths especially.”

Parent Feedback

“In English and mathematics, pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), remember what they have learned over time.”

Ofsted Feedback

“This is my third child to go all the way through Burlington and I would recommend this school every time.”

Parent Feedback

“‘There is something for everyone.’ Clubs range from golfing, cheerleading, football and rugby to mindfulness, yoga and knitting.”

Ofsted Feedback

“Would recommend this school 100%.  My child is very happy.”

Parent Feedback

“I like doing writing and maths because in maths you get to learn different methods to answer questions and I like writing stories.”

Pupil Feedback

“Leaders have high expectations of pupils’ behaviour.”

Ofsted Feedback

“Behaviour and attendance continue to improve throughout school.”

Ofsted Feedback

“Leaders are keen to ‘sow the seeds of interest’ regarding careers.”

Ofsted Feedback

“Pupils take home books that match their phonics ability. This helps them to become confident and fluent readers.”

Ofsted Feedback

“Daily phonics lessons and extra support in the afternoon take place for pupils who are at the early stages of reading.”

Ofsted Feedback

“My child has settled really well here, she feels happy and her hard work is recognised.  Very pleased.”

Parent Feedback

“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.” 

Pupil Feedback

“Leaders create a positive environment where pupils flourish.”

Ofsted Feedback

“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.”

Pupil Feedback

“Parents comment that their children ‘really enjoy reading for pleasure’.”

Ofsted Feedback

“Leaders achieve this
through daily story-time sessions and ‘reading ambassadors’ who promote reading with their peers.”

Ofsted Feedback

“Leaders are passionate about ensuring that all pupils receive the education they deserve.”

Ofsted Feedback

“Subject leaders are invited to share curriculum plans with governors.”

Ofsted Feedback

“Leaders develop pupils’ experiences beyond the community, including
annual visits to London.”

Ofsted Feedback

“Communication with parents has improved recently, Class Dojo is a good addition.  Good to see the topics for this half-term.”

Parent Feedback

“I like Burlington Junior School because we get to go on trips.”

Pupil Feedback

“Staff, including those at the early stages of their careers, say they feel supported to fulfil their roles.”

Ofsted Feedback

“Leaders provide a range of opportunities to develop pupils’ interests.”

Ofsted Feedback

“Furthermore, leaders invite pupils to attend afterschool sessions to help them catch up quickly.”

Ofsted Feedback

“Pupils speak
enthusiastically about the range of after-school activities on offer.”

Ofsted Feedback

“The school has
put in place a range of strategies and interventions to support pupils with their emotional health and well-being and behaviour.”

Ofsted Feedback

“I like this school because we get to learn new things every day”

Pupil Feedback

“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.” 

Pupil Feedback

“Leaders encourage good mental health through nurture sessions and a
‘nature’ programme.”

Ofsted Feedback

“In school I like the writing because you get to write about your favourite things.  I love all the language you can use.”

Pupil Feedback

“Good transition from Year 4- 5.  My child is in a smaller class, well supported in English and Maths.  Nurtured and settled.”

Parent Feedback

“The thing I like about Burlington Junior school is that the teachers are very nice and it’s easy to make new friends.”

Pupil Feedback

“Both children have attended this school.  Both have enjoyed it and have reached their potential.”

Parent Feedback

“My kids love it at Burlington Junior School.”

Parent Feedback

“Leaders continue to develop a broad and balanced curriculum that raises pupils’ aspirations.”

Ofsted Feedback