At Rawmarsh Rosehill Junior School, we understand the importance of promoting the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. 

These values are an active part of our school life and a point of discussion and reference in school. They are reinforced regularly.

Democracy

We have equal rights. We know that we have rights as children.

Pupil voice is an integrated aspect of school life at Rosehill and children have many opportunities for their voices to be heard.

Our School Council are elected by their class peers through a ballot and are involved in making ​school a better place to learn with regular school council meetings. We know that the formation of the School Council, our eco committee and the active participation of our pupils will sow the seeds for a more sophisticated understanding of democracy in the future. Pupils have input in their learning and what they would like to learn. Pupil questionnaires and interviews are also conducted regularly.

The principle of democracy is explored in the curriculum as well as during assemblies

The Rule of Law

We follow the rules in our school. We understand the consequences of our actions.

Our pupils will encounter rules and laws throughout their entire lives. We want them to understand that, whether these laws govern the class, the school, the neighbourhood or the country, they are set for good reasons and must be adhered to. This understanding of the importance of rules will be consistently reinforced through assemblies and within our curriculum. Pupils are always helped to distinguish right from wrong, in the classroom, during assemblies, PSHE lessons and circle time as well as in the playground.

Through our positive behaviour policy, pupils will be encouraged to reflect upon their actions and see situations from the points of view of others. Within our PSHE lessons, we explore and discuss the reasons for laws so that children can recognise the importance of these for their own protection. 

Individual Liberty

We know that we are all special. We can make our own choices about what activities we would like to do. We can talk about our own ideas and opinions.

At Rosehill, children are encouraged and given the freedom to make choices and children are encouraged to take responsibility for these choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. Through our RE and PSHE curriculum, we educate children on their rights and teach them about their responsibilities. Pupils are taught how to make safe choices and are encouraged to respect the choices of others. Vulnerable pupils are protected and stereotypes challenged.

In all of our lessons, learning tasks are challenging, requiring cooperation and a growth mindset. We encourage children to compete in the belief that they have every chance of success and we teach them to celebrate the success of their peers. We offer a range of clubs which pupils have the freedom to choose from, based on their interests. 

Mutual Respect

We understand and respect the roles of people who help us. We treat everyone equally. We listen to and respect other people’s opinions and values.

Our pupils learn together with respect for each other and all those within the school community. We value and celebrate our peers. Every pupil knows that we respect and appreciate each other no matter what differences may exist.

Pupils are helped to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life. Our children are taught the importance of mutual respect through assembly themes and within our curriculum. Staff and pupils are encouraged to challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour. They learn that their behaviour has an effect on their own rights and the rights of others and that all members of the school community are expected to treat each other with respect.

Tolerance of those with Different Faiths and Beliefs

We know that different people might have different ideas or opinions or beliefs to us.

We follow the Rotherham agreed syllabus for RE which enhances pupils’ understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Parents and leaders of different faiths are welcomed to the school to share their beliefs. We believe that tolerance is gained through knowledge and understanding. Through our curriculum and the routines of our daily school life, we strive to become knowledgeable, understanding and successful citizens who can build a better Rawmarsh for the future generations.

We have assemblies and visits for our entire school that includes a wide range of talks and topics such as

• Crucial Crew – understanding British Criminal Law
• Armistice Day and Remembrance Day
• Empathy, Respect and Tolerance (also taught within our PSHE lessons)
• International day of Peace
• Anti-Bullying Day

British values are embedded into our curriculum and into our school culture. Our history curriculum covers a broad spectrum of British history including the Anglo-Saxons, World War II and the Roman Empire.