Preparing Children for Life in Modern Britain
At Matthew Arnold Primary School, we take our responsibility to prepare children for life in modern Britain very seriously. We ensure that the fundamental British Values are introduced, discussed and lived out through the ethos and work of our school. Our ethos and all of our curriculum areas provide a platform for developing these concepts. Children embrace them with enthusiasm and demonstrate a good understanding of their application to their own lives.
We value the diversity of backgrounds of all pupils, families and wider school community. We are committed to serving the school community and surrounding areas. We recognise the multi-cultural, multi-faith nature of the United Kingdom and understand the crucial role our school plays in promoting these values
We make considerable efforts to ensure children have exposure to a wide experience beyond their local community during which these concepts are shown. The children’s strong values-based understanding gives them an excellent platform for embracing difference.
The four fundamental British Values are:
The children also learn about the British Values through our wider curriculum, our extra-curricular activities and our expectations about behaviour.
It is possible to embed British Values in all aspects of school life and this is what we aim to do at Matthew Arnold.
We have a school council, which bring matters to attention and play a collaborative role in improving outcomes for its pupils through dialogue and compromise.
We aim to nurture our children on their journey through life so they can grow into safe, caring, democratic, responsible and tolerant adults who make a positive difference to British society and to the world. We encourage admissions from all, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status. We are an inclusive school.
The list below outlines samples of when and where such British Values are shared. The list is not exhaustive, and represents only some of what we do.
Subject studies: Our curriculum topics offer children the chance to reflect on our core values and British values. Developing the skill base required to access/share information, make/express decisions and apply themselves to society and the world. These include the understanding and use of money, effective writing and reading skills, collaborative work, to discuss and research ideas and concepts, and gain a broad and balanced understanding of the society in which they live.
Acts of collective worship/assembly: The sharing of stories, images, events, music and expectations that, with clarity and precision, promote the values expressed. ‘Collective worship’ is non-denominational and recognizes that those attending may have a wide range of faiths, or none. It is however, in line with regulation and is “wholly or mainly of a broadly Christian character”.
Religious Education: We follow the agreed Liverpool Syllabus and through its study gain a greater understanding of religious diversity and practices, which covers key religions represented in the UK. Pupils learn to understand their place in a culturally diverse society.
Physical Education: We promote the concept of ‘fair play’, following and developing rules, inclusion, celebrating and rewarding success, being magnanimous in defeat and participation in activities that promote teamwork.
Should you feel that the school is not meeting the requirement of teaching British Values, you should contact the school office and request to express your concerns with the Headteacher.