At Eastnor Parochial Primary School we take very seriously our responsibility to prepare children for life in modern Britain. We ensure that the fundamental British Values are introduced, discussed and lived out through our Christian Values-based philosophy which infuses the ethos and work of the school. All curriculum areas provide a vehicle for furthering understanding of these concepts and, in particular, our RE and PSHE lessons which  provide excellent opportunities to deepen and develop understanding. Our children apply their strong-rooted values-based understanding which gives them an excellent platform for embracing difference.

Our curriculum reflects, celebrates and teaches children about diversity. For example, in RE children study the religions of Christianity, Islam and Judaism in detail, as well as learning about Hinduism, Buddhism and non-religious points of view such as Humanism. The children compare and contrast the similarities and differences between religions and have opportunities to visit different places of worship and listen to and learn from visitors to school.

Throughout the year we celebrate being part of Britain. In general terms this means we celebrate events such as Christmas, Harvest, Mothering Sunday, Remembrance Day. We organise trips to the theatre. For example year 5 and 6 children enjoy watching performances from the Young Shakespeare Company each year. In addition, we always celebrate key British events such as the Olympics, Paralympics and Wimbledon. Children celebrated the King's Coronation in 2023, and the Queens Platinum Jubilee the previous year. For such events we hold church services and special lunches and complete additional curriculum classroom work about how such events relate to being British. In 2024, our 'Eastnor's Got Talent” competition will return, where all pupils within our school can showcase their skills and talents and be celebrated.

In Geography children learn about the British Isles, learn about the significance of local cities such as Worcester, the local town of Ledbury and the special village of Eastnor. Pupils also learn about Britain's place in Europe as well as other aspects of its rich heritage.

Across the curriculum, children learn about British key figures which include; Henry VIII/Elizabeth I, Oliver Cromwell, Captian James Cook, Roald Dahl, Florence Nightingale, William Shakespeare, Mary Seacole, John Masefield, Darwin, Sir Isaac Newton, Grace Darling, Winston Churchill and  Edward Jenner. We look at how Britain’s past impacts on our lives today, studying the Stone Age to Iron Age period and life in Saxon/Viking times, discovering the historical impact of The English Civil War as well as the local significance of The Battle of Worcester and finding out about changes in Britain since 1948 including social changes, immigration and the Windrush generation.

‘British Values’ have been identified as:

Democracy:

Children in school learn about the roots of the democratic process in Ancient Greece, about Parliament in Westminster and about the art of debating, with opportunities to debate current issues themselves.

We empower our pupils by giving them opportunities to make choices about the things that they believe to be important. By valuing each ‘voice’ and by listening and responding to that voice we demonstrate that we support democracy and liberty.

The ability to communicate is one of the most important area of learning. At Eastnor we ensure that pupils are given a ‘voice’ to communicate. The method of using this ‘voice’ could be using words, objects, photographs, pictures, symbols, touch cues, eye pointing or body language.

Rule of Law:

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school or the country are reinforced in everyday school life, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through collective worship. We involve pupils in setting codes of behaviour; helping them to make the right decisions and choices. We encourage children to take responsibility for their actions and the impact they might have on others and how actions do have consequences. This type of environment enables pupils to feel safe and secure and provides a positive learning environment.

Visits from authority figures in society such as the fire brigade, the local community police officers, doctors, dentists, nurses, religious leaders, MPs and governors demonstrate to children how rules and laws are an integral part of a safe and happy Britain.

Individual Liberty:

Pupils at Eastnor are encouraged to become good and valued citizens. We do this by supporting each pupil to become as independent as possible. We endeavour to demonstrate that everyone has rights; this includes the right to say ‘No’ when appropriate. Some pupils will be able to take responsibility for particular roles and are taught to understand that with certain rights comes a level of responsibility. Learning to do things independently is an important part of learning to understand yourself. We support others by participating in local community events and charitable events such as, Red Nose Day/Comic Relief, Children in Need. We believe that by engendering a caring and helpful environment and by learning to be independent can boost and nurture a healthy self-esteem.

Mutual Respect:

We promote each pupil’s inclusion, where possible, in a range of activities, settings and locations. Every member of the school community is valued and we treasure everyone's uniqueness. It is important to facilitate opportunities for Eastnor to be part of their unique communities as the pupils, families and staff have much to offer in the development of community cohesion.

Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs:

This is achieved through enhancing pupils understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Trips to different places of worship are organised for each year group and we celebrate the multi-cultural society in which we live through real life experiences. We place great emphasis on providing experiences and participation in events and celebrations which broaden all pupils’ experiences and awareness of others so that they understand everyone should be respected and valued equally, irrespective of their ability, gender, faith, heritage or race.

Our Children understand and apply their rights and British Values through a range of learning opportunities. For example:

• An active 'Pupil Voice' which follows a democratic process
• Our school rules, which are based on our rights
• Enabling children to take part in a wide range of clubs of their choice
• Having high expectations with regard to manners, behaviour and courtesy and where children respect others
• Supporting children to discuss differences and disagreements and find a solution, and knowing that the adults around them have responsibilities for enabling them to hold their rights 
• Taking part in community initiatives and donating time, money and energy to them
• Helping pupils to value their own physical and mental wellbeing
• Teaching children, on a regular basis, about the importance of being safe and responsible citizen
• Staying abreast of local, national and global issues in relation to the Rights of the Child

In summary, we support children to uphold their rights and the rights of others.

The staff also work closely with parents, carers and other professionals to ensure that our pupils have the skills to live a fulfilling life as part of their community.

Preventing radicalisation and extremism

What is the Prevent Strategy?

Prevent is a government strategy designed to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorist or extremist causes. The Prevent strategy covers all types of terrorism and extremism, including political, religious and misogynistic extremism.

How does the Prevent strategy apply to schools?

From July 2015 all schools (as well as other organisations) have a duty to safeguard children from radicalisation and extremism. This means we have a responsibility to protect children from extremist and violent views in the same way we protect them from bullying. Most importantly, we can provide a safe place for pupils to discuss any issues so they better understand how to protect themselves.

What does this mean in practice?

Many of the things we already do in school to help children become positive, happy members of society also contribute to the Prevent strategy.

These include:

• Exploring other cultures and religions and promoting diversity

• Challenging prejudices and racist comments

• Developing critical thinking skills and a strong, positive self-identity

• Promoting the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils, as well as British values such as democracy

We will also protect children from the risk of radicalisation, for example by using filters on the internet to make sure they can’t access inappropriate material, or by vetting visitors who come into school to work with pupils (safeguarding procedures). Different schools will carry out the Prevent duty in different ways, depending on the age of the children and the needs of the community.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Prevent relate to British values? Schools have been required to promote British values since 2014, and this will continue to be part of our response to the Prevent strategy.

Isn’t my child too young to learn about extremism? The Prevent strategy is not just about discussing extremism itself, which may not be appropriate for younger children. It is also about teaching children values such as tolerance and mutual respect. We will make sure any discussions are suitable for the age and maturity of the children involved.

Is extremism really a risk in our area? Extremism can take many forms, including political, religious and misogynistic extremism. We will give children the skills to protect them from any extremist views they may encounter, now or later in their lives.

'Do Everything in Love' 1 Corinthians 16:14

Christian Values: Each half term we unpack a deeply Christian value (alongside a key British value) to help us develop a shared understanding of how to live out the school’s vision and mission: