Our aim at Hurst Green School is to encourage pupils to develop and demonstrate skills and attitudes that will allow them to participate fully in and contribute positively to life in Britain. We actively promote the fundamental British Values and this forms part of our wider work in school with children in relation to their Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural education (SMSC).

The British Values, as defined by the government, are :

Democracy

The Rule of Law

Individual Liberty

Mutual Respect

Tolerance of different Faiths and Beliefs

We teach a broad and balanced curriculum that teaches elements of democracy, rules and laws, the monarchy, equality, values and virtues, environmental awareness and understanding of different faiths. Actively promoting British Values also refers to challenging pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values. At Hurst Green, values of tolerance and respect permeate all areas of school life. This creates a climate within which pupils feel safe and secure and therefore allows them to learn and develop. Pupil voice plays an integral part in driving the schools forward.

These British Values are promoted throughout the curriculum, across the whole school. They are also seen in the school ethos, policies, assemblies, special events and cultural celebrations. The following are a selection of activities that are evidence of our commitment to British Values.

We teach children about Democracy through:

• Children being involved in democratic processes e.g. voting for pupil councillors, rewards and incentives
• School council
• Discussing issues and forming opinions

Visit from Hugh Merriman MP

We teach children about Rule of Law through:

• School behaviour policy
• Class rewards e.g. Class Dojo
• Head Teacher Awards
• End of year awards
• Class rules
• Visits from the police

We teach children about Individual Liberty through:

• Understanding responsibility in school in terms of behaviour and learning attitudes (well-being and learning zones)
• Pupil roles in school – school councillors, collective worship leaders, year 6 buddies
• School values
• Local and national fundraising
• Community links – singing at the village hall, taking harvest gifts to local people.
• Assembly – school council/ people who help us
• Challenging stereotyping and bias
• Antibullying
• Sports values

Hurst Green football and netball teams

We teach children about Mutual Respect through:

• PSHE  curriculum and assemblies
• Positive relationships encouraged and modelled
• Inclusive ethos
• RE curriculum
• School council
• Sports Day
• Participation in Rother Sports competitions with other schools
• Big Sing
• Trips – wider community
• Visitors
• Peer assessment
• Collaboration with other schools – Northiam and St Michaels Playden

Visit from author Brian Moses

We teach children about Tolerance through:

• Links with other schools
• Assemblies – stories from world faiths and cultures
• RE curriculum
• Reflection opportunities in assemblies
• School curriculum
• Inclusive school
• Special assemblies – Harvest, Christmas, Remembrance Day
• PSHE

Royal Wedding Street Party May 2018