Values inc. British Values

“No one is born a good citizen or a good democrat or a good leader; it takes time and education.”

Kofi Annan

Mossgate's Values

It is our values that determine our thinking and behaviour. The ethos of our school is built upon our core values of kindness, respect, courtesy, honesty, responsibility and courage. These values are closely aligned to the goverment's British Values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. Through a values based curriculum, a positive culture for teaching and learning is created which is based upon valuing ourselves, each other and the environment.

Our values are addressed directly through lessons, assemblies and across the whole curriculum. Each half term we focus on a particular value. We learn to understand what the values looks like and how we can demonstrate the value: in the way we behave, in our attitude towards each other and in our learning. Parents are also encouraged to develop the value at home.

Our six school values are reinforced through our school expectations which all staff refer to these when speaking to children about their behaviour and attitude to learning. 

• We show kindness to all.
• We are responsible in everything we do.
• We respect others and property.
• We are honest.
• We are courteous to all.
• We use courage to challenge ourselves and others.

Every class has a Golden Book and when children are 'spotted' using their values by staff and other children, their names are entered into their class Golden Book and read out in our weekly celebration assembly every Friday. 

British Values

Fundamental British Values underpin what it is to be a citizen in a modern and diverse Great Britain valuing our community and celebrating diversity of the UK. The government advice can be found here here. 

Our Values curriculum, PSHEC curriculum and RE curriculum are fundamental to the teaching of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. Through this work we actively challenge opinions or behaviours which are contrary to these values. Examples have been listed under each of the Britsh values below, but will also be evident in our key learning documents within the different subject areas. 

Democracy

• We hold an annual hustings for our Mossgate Parliament before children vote which enables the children to understand the democratic process.
• Children have the opportunity to make suggestions about our school through their class parliament representative.
• Children have the right to vote for decisions in their class meetings and also when making other decisions like their class rewards.
• During local and national elections, we learn about the democratic process and invite local candidates into school.
• We invite the local Mayor and other elected representatives into school.
• Children are encouraged to put forward their point of view and defend it whilst listening to and considering other viewpoints.
• We engage with the Houses of Parliament Education Centre online tours and workshops. 
• Our Y6 visit the Houses of Parliament during their summer term residential to London. 
• Children complete regular questionnaires enabling them to put forward their views about the school which feeds into the school’s self-evaluation.
• In UKS2, children learn about how the UK government is formed, the advantages and disadvantages of democracy, take part in a debate and learn about campaigning.
• In UKS2, pupils learn about the significance of democracy both past and present.
• KS2 children visit Lancaster Town Hall to learn about local democracy, meet local councillors and take part in a debate in the council chamber. 
• Pupils are taught how they can influence decision making through the democratic process.

Links to Mossgate's Values: Respect, Responsibility, Kindness, Courage, Courtesy and Honesty

The Rule of Law

• Promotion of our school expectations and values which are clear and fair.
• Children are taught to understand that there are consequences when rules are not followed and that this impacts on different individuals.
• Children are helped to understand and distinguish between right and wrong both in school and the wider community.
• Children are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken.
• Links with the police and fire services are fostered to develop respect for the law and to help children understand that it protects individuals.
• An understanding of law in our country is promoted through assemblies.
• KS2 learn about the role of the courts within our democratic system and visit the old courtroom at Lancaster Town Hall where they take part in a mock trial led by a Magistrate.  

Links to Mossgate's Values: Respect, Responsibility, Courage, Courtesy and Honesty

Individual Liberty

• Children are supported pastorally to develop self-confidence, self-esteem and self-knowledge in order to make good choices through our PSHEC and Values curricula. 
• Children are given the freedom to take risks and make choices within a safe environment.
• Children are taught how to manage risks and the importance of safety both on and offline.
• Children are supported and encouraged to take responsibility for their own behaviour.
• An anti-bullying culture is promoted strongly and actively within school.
• Children are taught how to make safe choices regarding their activity on the internet through our Online Safety curriculum.  
• Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and responsibilities and advised how to exercise these safely. 
• Whether it be through choice of challenge, of how they record, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, children are given the freedom to make choices.

Links to Mossgate's Values: Respect, Responsibility, Kindness, Courage, Courtesy and Honesty

Mutual Respect

• This is a fundamental part of everything we do at Mossgate and mutual respect is modelled and taught throughout the school.
• Children are taught to be respectful of individual differences through PHSEC, RE, assemblies and through everyday exchanges with people in the school and wider community.
• Children visit different places of workship and have opportunities for wider cultural experiences through our planned Curriculum Enrichment. 
• Children take part in fundraising activities which help others locally, nationally and globally.
• Children learn how their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others - this develops their sense of responsibility.
• Many children volunteer to help around the school and as monitors in their classes, they have opportunities to take on other responsibilities. 
• Children can put themselves forward for other responsibilities in UKS2 like Anti-Bullying Ambassadors, Play Leaders and House Captains. 
• We challenge stereotypes and the use of derogatory language, including sexist and homophobic language, in lessons and around school. We do not excuse this type of behaviour as 'banter'. 

Links to Mossgate's Values: Respect, Responsibility, Kindness, Courage, Courtesy and Honesty

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

• We actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures in RE and assemblies.
• Members of different faiths and religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.
• The children visit different places of worship that are important to different faiths.
• RE and PSHEC lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others.
• Through SRE we look at different families and challenge stereotypes.
• Any behaviour which is discriminatory or shows prejudice is challenged.

Links to Mossgate's Values: Respect, Responsibility, Kindness, Courage, Courtesy and Honesty

Updated 2024 RS