British Values and Spiritual, Moral, Social and Culteral Education

At Warlingham Village Primary School, we aim for all children to grow, learn and flourish academically and, as part of their wider education, to be contributing members of society. Our role is to ensure that we promote and reinforce British values and SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural education).

 At Warlingham Village Primary School these values are embedded regularly through our Warlingham Windmill Curriculum.

Below are some of the examples that illustrate how we seek to embed British values at this school.

Democracy

At Warlingham Village Primary School, the principle of democracy is reinforced through democratic decision-making by the children. Elections are held to elect House Captains and School Councillors. The school council is also responsible for initiating part of the School Development Plan and for holding the school to account for its implementation. Each class decides on its charter to support the principles of good learning and behaviour.

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws, whether they are those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout the school as a recognition of the rights of the school community to be respected and be able to learn without disruption. Children 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. We have visits from the Police and the Fire Service as an important part of our curriculum to help reinforce this message.

Individual Liberty

At Warlingham Village Primary School, children are actively encouraged to make independent choices, knowing that they are in a safe, secure and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide the environment for children to make choices safely.  Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms under the Unicef’s ‘’Rights Respecting Schools Award’ (RRSA).  They receive education on their rights and responsibilities through the curriculum.

Mutual Respect

Respect is the core of our school ethos and is modelled by children and staff alike. The school promotes self- respect and respect for others and these are taught through our classroom and learning environments under the ‘Calm School Code’ and the over-arching ‘Rights Respecting Schools Award’. In line with our commitment to democracy children are always able to voice their opinions and we have created an environment where children are able to voice their concerns and also are safe to disagree with each other.

Tolerance of Those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

 The school community reflects a number of different cultures, faiths and beliefs. Through the school curriculum we educate the children to understand their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity in the school community.  Children are encouraged to share their faith and beliefs within the school. Our Religious Education curriculum follows Surrey County Council’s Religious Education policy and is part of a broad and balanced curriculum that educates children about a range of faiths, religions and cultures.

We have zero tolerance to those who discriminate against people of different cultures, faiths or beliefs.

SMSC at Warlingham Village

Below are some examples of how we promote SMSC throughout our school:

• Our Warlingham Village Star behaviour code is embedded throughout the school.
• Our House system gives a sense of belonging and promotes healthy competition.
• Our Friday commendation assemblies reflect our Blue Button Independent Learning Skills and being a Warlingham Village Star.
• We use real life contexts in our learning wherever we can
• Themes such as road safety, anti-bullying, racism and positive relationships, for example, are addressed through assemblies and in Life Skills lessons through planned opportunities and when the need occurs.
• We have themed days and opportunities through our curriculum to learn about and respect our differences and what makes us unique.
• There are planned opportunities through our curriculum and assemblies to discuss multi-faith festivals, celebrations in different cultures and different beliefs.
• We have a dedicated Thrive room, library, wildlife area, gardening area and a sensory room, allowing children to use their imagination and express their emotions, interests and experiences out of school.
• Children have a worry monster in every classroom where they are encouraged to put their worries for a teacher to respond to.
• Trips in the local community and wider area, including residential trips are used to develop our children's' experiences.
• Our rich and diverse range of clubs that take place at lunchtime, allow all our children to take part and develop even more skills and experiences along side their curriculum.