We work closely with the Murrow Street pride group. Our children are members of this group and regularly take part in litter picking exercises. There is a litter picking club at school.
This year we have planned a Scarecrow creating competition to mark the 75th Jubilee of the Queen and we will engage with the community on this. We contribute regularly to the Village newspaper - the Village Voices.
At Murrow Primary Academy we strive to promote and secure British values throughout our curriculum and ethos. This statement demonstrates our commitment to not only promote British Values but, also, to celebrate them.
Democracy
We recognise the importance of embedding an understanding of valuing everyone’s opinion. As such, we have a pupil forum, the membership of which is determined by ballot vote within all classes whereby all children are provided with a vote. The pupil forum are responsible for making important decisions that impact on the life of the school and consult with their classes before such decisions are reached. In addition, regular pupil voice committees are set up in relation to specific subjects and general teaching and learning.
The opinions and decisions of the children have had a direct impact on the teaching and learning within our community. For example, School Council reported that the children wanted another part of the climbing equipment. Once the fundraising had been completed by the School Council, the pupil forum members worked with the staff to choose which new ones would be best. In coming to their conclusions, they thought hard about all the different age groups along with children’s abilities.
The curriculum itself also reflects a desire to educate our learners about the various systems of democracy around the world both past and present. For instance, history topics study the ways in which other civilisations have been ruled and contrast these to our current British system of democracy. We also ensure that children have a basic knowledge of democracy in action in the modern world – eg: the general election in 2015.
Rule of Law
We encourage learners to understand and respect the laws of our country and contrast these with similar sanctions imposed around the world. Through philosophy, we explore the principles behind setting such rules for society and enable learners to think about the suitability and appropriateness of such rules. For example, topics which have previously covered such laws have explored issues of crime and punishment and equality and discrimination.
We also recognise the importance of educating children about how to work within the boundaries of the law. We regularly invite law enforcement agencies to speak in assemblies. This enables them to gain a better understanding of the ways in which they can work within the law’s remit but also how the law can protect them.
Individual Liberty
Throughout our school, we encourage children to make responsible choices whether in relation to their behaviour or our teaching and learning. Classes agree ‘contracts’ or rules which are in line with our school rules.
Children are able to make their own choices in relation to their learning challenges or free play activities in EYFS and KS1 when transitioning. This is demonstrated when children pose questions about topics they are learning. Teaching is then tailored to answer these questions and thereby engage all. Children are also able to exercise their own freedom by determining their targets for learning and choosing to participate in numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities.
This year, we are also working on developing independent learning even more. We are exploring the topic of mindset and empowering learners to make decisions and take responsibility for their own learning and futures.
We all have a chance to choose our future, and we are encouraging children to have aspirations to make the most of their lives. We have many visitors to do assemblies to explain their jobs, life experiences and achievements. Children have the opportunity to meet and question these visitors. We attend recruitment fayres and again encourage children to make considered choices for their futures.
Mutual Respect
Murrow Primary Academy is a caring school where diversity is encouraged and celebrating difference is fundamental. We hold regular performances in which children are given the opportunity to shine. The concept of mutual respect is addressed through topics, RE lessons and PSHE assemblies and sessions. For instance, topics include understanding and celebrating the differences between men and women and PSHE assemblies address concepts such as bullying, Remembrance Day and freedom of choice.
Children are encouraged to work both cooperatively and independently with a wide variety of activities involving group or paired work. Our commitment means that we encourage and value caring and collaborative thinking.
We also encourage children to contribute to sensitive peer-assessment throughout the school. In addition, the staff consistently model and promote the behaviours and attitudes that are the foundation of positive relationships.
Our local village community is one that we are proud to be part of. We are working at increasing our links with the local residents, using the Chapel and inviting visitors to events we hold at school. Children spend time interacting and learning about the lives of others in Murrow.
Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs
We encourage children to question the world around them in a respectful way. Our RE curriculum enables children to do this by exploring the various religions of the world and considering their own views in relation to these. Sessions are planned which ensure that children are enabled to recognise that all beliefs should be respected, even when these are different to their own. In addition, issues such as tolerance are explored in a safe and non-judgemental manner; ensuring children understand the importance of tolerating the faiths and beliefs of others.