British Values
At Garfield we uphold and teach pupils about British Values which are defined as:
- democracy
- rule of law
- individual liberty
- mutual respect
- tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
We teach British Values through planning and delivering a broad and balanced curriculum. At Garfield Primary School, these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy
Democracy is an important value at our school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our numerous pupil representative groups. These are: School Council, House Captains, Wellbeing Warriors, Reading Ambassadors, Song Leaders, Eco-Warriors, Sports Leaders, Merton Pupil Parliament representatives and Curriculum representatives. Pupils enjoy exercising their democratic right by voting in school elections. The elections of members of all our pupil representative groups are based on pupil votes.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws and rules, whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days. Our system for behaviour is aligned to an agreed set of codes and values and if children are given verbal warnings these are set against the school's core values and agreed school behaviour code.
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. Visits from authorities such as the police, fire service etc. are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message.
To encourage and promote good behaviour, attitude and work, we have devised a reward system which is consistently followed throughout the school.
We are committed to praising children’s efforts. We endeavour to praise the children informally, individually, during group work, in front of the whole class and the whole school. Children are rewarded not only for achievement in curriculum areas, but for behaviour and for demonstrating the school's core values.
Rewards are given in the form of stickers, house points, class rewards and certificates. Children’s achievements are also recognised during weekly Achievement Assemblies led by the Year 6 House Captains.
Individual Liberty
Pupils are actively encouraged to make choices at our school, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we provide boundaries for our children to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and planned curriculum. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our e-Safety teaching. Pupils are given the freedom to make choices, e.g. signing up for extra-curricular clubs.
Mutual Respect
Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy is based around core values such as 'friendship, respect, excellence’ and these values determine how we live as a community.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
This is achieved through enhancing pupils’ understanding of their place in our culturally diverse local community. Discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE, PSHE and during anti-bullying weeks. We use opportunities such as the Olympics, World Cup and International Day to study and learn about life and culture in other countries.