British Values

Being Part of Britain

As a school, we value and celebrate the diverse heritages of all at Gateway Primary School and what it means to be part of British Society. Throughout the year we celebrate traditions such as Harvest, Remembrance Sunday and Christmas. In addition, we also value and celebrate national events, including the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the General Election.

Furthermore, children learn about being part of Britain from different specific perspectives. Two specific examples are learning about being part of Britain through the Geography curriculum and the programme of study for History which also focuses on Britain as the children learn about World War 2, the Victorians and local history pertinent to Oxfordshire.

Democracy

Children, parents and staff have many opportunities for their voices to be heard at Gateway Primary School. An obvious example is the election of our head boy and girl. Candidates make speeches, pupils consider characteristics important for an elected representative, a secret vote takes place and the successful applications are duly elected. Our School Advisory Team, with a member from each class, meet regularly to discuss issues raised by the different classes and have the capacity to affect change within the school.

The House System at Gateway Primary School increases a sense of belonging amongst the children as well as the camaraderie and motivation to work together to succeed. Once again, a democratic system was employed to select the House Captains who are responsible for the collection of house points.

Many of our pupils are keen to support a range of charities and help to plan fundraising events to raise funds. This is a very important part of the ethos at Gateway Primary School.

Rules and Laws

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 installed through our School Rules. Visits from authorities such as the police and fire service allow children to understand their importance.

Children who are particularly good role models and highlight the values of school in their actions receive raffle tickets, giving them to chance to win an invite to a tea party with the headteacher.

In addition to the above, we promote freedom of choice and the right to respectfully express views and beliefs. Through the provision of a safe, supportive environment and empowering education, we provide boundaries for our young pupils to make choices safely. Where possible we offer choices about what learning challenge or activity they undertake and choices about how they record their learning. Our pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are taught how to exercise these safely through our PSHE curriculum.

Children are given the choice to participate in extra-curricular activities at our school and to take part in more competitive tournaments through out partnership links across Carterton.

Mutual Respect and Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

As a school we are proud to promote and celebrate our different backgrounds and beliefs. Mutual respect is at the heart of our aims and ethos. Our pupils know and understand that they are expected to show respect to everyone, whatever differences they may have. They are also taught to respect the school environment and the world around them. Children learn that their behaviour choices have an effect on school and society and that they must be equipped with the skills to make the right choices.

Pupils’ understanding and respect for different faiths and beliefs are developed through PSHE, R.E. and regular assemblies. In addition to these areas, our curriculum topic plans teach the children about other cultures and countries. For eg. in Foundation Stage the children made Diwali lamps to celebrate the Hindu festival. In KS2, our children study French. They not only explore the language, but also the culture, identifying similarities and differences in our ways of living.

All adults model the appropriate behaviour and the school challenges anyone at any level who is intolerant, disrespectful or behaves in a way which is contrary to the ethos of Gateway Primary School. The school’s ethos is shared with parents / carers through weekly newsletters and our website.