British Values and SMSC at Broom Cottages

 

What are British Values?

  • Democracy.
  • The rule of law.
  • Individual liberty.
  • Mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.


These values are not easily taught in isolation but must be a thread running through the whole of the Broom Cottages curriculum.

 

 

British Values At Broom Cottages

At Broom Cottages we aim to:

  • Support children to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence.
  • Encourage children to distinguish right from wrong and to respect the civil and criminal law of England.
  • Encourage children to accept responsibility for their behaviour and to understand how they can contribute positively within school, the local community and society generally.
  • Help children to acquire a broad general knowledge of and respect for public institutions and services in England.
  • Further tolerance and respect between different cultural traditions and encourage respect for other people and encourage respect for democracy, and the law in England.

 

We will support and encourage the children to develop and demonstrate skills and attitudes that will allow them to participate fully in and contribute positively to life in modern Britain.

 

 

What Is SMSC?

SMSC stands for Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural education, which is essential for helping children develop as well-rounded, informed individuals. At Broom Cottages, we promote SMSC across the whole curriculum and also via school trips, fund raising and various events held across the school year.

 

 

School values

At Broom Cottages, we regularly review our curriculum offer.  We ensure it meets the statutory requirements of the National Curriculum, but, in consultation with with governors, staff and children,  we strive to make sure it meets the needs of our Broom Cottages children.

In addition to the content and skills taught in each curriculum area, we have identified five core values which are promoted during assemblies, lessons and as we work, learn and grow together in school.  These are:

 

  • Ambition
  • Collaboration
  • Curiosity
  • Kindness
  • Resilience

These values address areas to promote the development SMSC within Broom Cottages.

 

 

Assemblies/Collective Worship

During assemblies there are frequent discussions of current events which impact on or are linked to our British Values and School Values. Children are encouraged to contribute ideas, ask questions and develop an understanding of the issues.

 

 

Promotion of British Values in Lessons And Events

We address both British Values and SMSC throughout the curriculum and in PSHE lessons.

 

Across the school year we arrange events to support the understanding of British Values and SMSC. Here are some examples:

  • Democracy, e.g. Junior Management Team applications ensuring pupil voice, development of classroom rules, child questionnaires, contributing ideas for sanctions and rewards
  • Anti-bullying, e.g. a dedicated week addressing the causes, implications and developing resilience. 
  • Phase and class assemblies on e.g. Festivals, Remembrance, Holocaust Day, E safety, Educate and Celebrate (LGBTQ)
  • Christian themed worship and singing.
  • Providing quiet reflection time during assemblies.
  • Opportunities to engage with different artistic styles and study artists, authors and musicians e.g. visits by authors and brass bands as part of the Durham Brass Festival.
  • Program of after school activities for all interests including sports, drama, music, Go Karts, Lego, literacy and numeracy intervention groups.
  • Involvement with the Approach Too organisation to raise aspirations and awareness of opportunities in the local area.
  • Educational visits to places of worship, historical interest, scientific interest or of natural significance.
  • Visits to university and places of work e.g. Nissan and Cummins Engineering to raise aspirations.
  • Opportunities to encourage girls into scientific careers.
  • Annual visit to residential activity centres.
  • Clearly understood system of sanctions with rewards and commendations for good behaviour and hard work.
  • Fundraising for local, (Butterwick Hospice) national, (Children in Need/Red Nose Day/Macmillan Cancer Care)and international charities (Save The Children).
  • The study of key British events and personalities in curriculum theme e.g. World wars, Influence of the Romans, Greeks, Vikings, Tudors. Fire and Plague of London, British inventors and engineers.
  • Celebration of Festivals both British and those of the wider multi faith and multi cultural communities within Britain e.g. Chinese New Year.