British Values
At Westfields, we want our pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence; to be able to distinguish between right and wrong; to accept responsibility for their behaviour and to make a positive contribution to our school and wider society.
Across our school, we have a strong focus on spiritual, moral, social and cultural issues. We actively create opportunities for pupils to learn about British Values both through our overall curriculum provision, particularly Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education and Citizenship, and through additional opportunities such as Collective Worship, Meet ‘n’ Tweet and The Great Inter-house Debate.
Our school vision embodies these values: ‘…a school where everyone in the community is inspired to learn from and with each other, where there is mutual respect and self-belief in the pursuit of excellence.’
They are also reflected in our school mission statement: ‘…our children go into the wider world happy, confident, responsible citizens who are curious and respectful of all. They have a sense of self-worth, are well-equipped for the future, able to cope with change and make positive use of technological advances.’
Fundamental British Values (democracy; the rule of law; individual liberty; mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs) are focused upon not just within the curriculum and through our assemblies, but they also feature within weekly Meet ‘n’ Tweet reflections. A short, thought-provoking video is created by pupils in Year 5, then watched by every class in the school, debated within the class, considering the questions ‘How does this affect …you? …our school? …our community…our country?’ and finally tweeted to the wider community.
Other Meet ‘n’ Tweet themes include current issues on a local, national and global scale.
Follow us on Twitter to see our children’s reflections. #meetntweet
RE at Westfields is taught in accordance with the Hampshire agreed syllabus “Living Difference”. Through their RE sessions, children develop mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs as they develop their understanding of the beliefs and practices of world faiths. Children engage in discussion, reflection and evaluation around religious concepts and are supported in their own search for meaning, purpose and value in life.
Collective acts of worship at Westfields have a focus on spiritual, moral, social and cultural issues. As well as reflecting on social and moral issues together as a school, we also welcome visitors from a range of faiths to lead assemblies, where they share their beliefs and raise the profile of religious celebrations throughout the year.
Our annual Great Debate gives all pupils an opportunity to take part in a formal debate, on a theme related to our SMSC and British Values programme or current affair issues.
Themes: 2018/19 – E-Safety, 2017/18 – Equality
