British Values

The DfE have reinforced the need “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.”

As a UNICEF Rights Respecting school, the principles of equality, dignity, respect, non-discrimination and participation are at the heart of everything we do and these principles underpin the fundamental values.

‘The Convention applies to very child without discrimination, whatever their ethnicity, gender, religion, language, abilities or any other status, whatever they think or say, whatever their family background.’ (Article 2)

Democracy

Norbridge is a UNICEF Rights Respecting school. Children have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. The school council meets regularly to discuss issues raised in school, staff meetings and class assemblies. The council is able to genuinely effect change within the school. The council members for each year group are voted in by their class. 

The Rule of Law

The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout the regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police, Health Service and Fire Service help reinforce this message.

Individual Liberty

Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make choices safely, through provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety, PSHE/SMSC lessons and class assemblies. Whether it be through choice of learning challenge, of how they record, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.

Mutual Respect

As a Rights Respecting School, mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

As a school we place great emphasis on celebrating and promoting diversity with the children. Assemblies are regularly planned to address this either directly or through the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures. Our RE and PSHE curriculum reinforces this. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. Children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths.

At Norbridge, we will actively challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views.

Equality & Diversity

The Equality Act 2010 combined nine separate pieces of legislation into one single Act simplifying the law and strengthening it in important ways to help tackle discrimination and inequality.

The Act introduced 9 protected characteristics:

As a school we do not prejudice and are fully inclusive and supportive of our whole learning community.

The Equality Act 2010 – Protected Characteristics

At Norbridge Academy, no form of discrimination is tolerated and all pupils are encouraged to show respect for those who share the protected characteristics. Our curriculum is planned and delivered so that children develop age-appropriate knowledge and understanding during their time at the school.

UN Convention on the Rights of a Child

Our school council aims to embody and respect aspects of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, in particular:

Article 12 (respect for the views of the child) –

Every child has the right to express their views, feelings and wishes in all matters affecting them, and to have their views considered and taken seriously. This right applies at all times, for example during immigration proceedings, housing decisions or the child’s day-to-day home life.

Article 13 (freedom of expression) –

Every child must be free to express their thoughts and opinions and to access all kinds of information, as long as it is within the law.

Article 14 (freedom of thought, belief and religion) –

Every child has the right to think and believe what they choose and also to practise their religion, as long as they are not stopping other people from enjoying their rights. Governments must respect the rights and responsibilities of parents to guide their child as they grow up.

To view all the rights please follow the link below:

Meet Our Representatives

Our School Council Roles

Please check out our Twitter page: https://twitter.com/NorbridgeCounc1 You can also find our agendas from our meetings below:

The school council children participated in The Big Ambition Survey this week. To find out how you can complete the survey, please visit About this survey : The Big Ambition – Have your say! (smartsurvey.co.uk)

British Values Display in school

School Council meeting – 27.11.23

Anti-bullying poster & poem competition – judging.

4th December 2023

We welcomed a special visitor today – Mrs White, Bassetlaw Councillor. She delivered an assembly about British Values & spoke to some of the school council children about what makes our school extra special!