Oakley Cross Primary School and Nursery Unit is committed to serving its community and surrounding areas. We recognise the multicultural, multi-faith nature of the United Kingdom and understand the crucial role our schools play in promoting the values of tolerance, respect, liberty, democracy and the rule of law. We also understand the vital role schools have within the ‘Prevent Strategy’ in ensuring that groups or individuals within the school are safe from intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.
This statement outlines the universal values which we actively promote through both our published and ‘hidden’ curriculum and through our status as a Rights Respecting Level 2 School. The articles taken from United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) underpin all of our work and ensure we achieve our mission statement:
‘We believe in respect and success for all’.
Our school, though a wide range of activities, promotes these universal values and secures good outcomes for children with regards to their personal, social and emotional wellbeing. Below are examples of when and where such values are shared. The list is not exhaustive, and represents only some of what we do.
Tolerance
UNCRC Article 14 – you have the right to your own beliefs and religion
UNCRC Article 28 – you have the right to an education
UNCRC Article 29 – you have the right to develop yourself to the full and to develop respect
UNCRC Article 30 – you have the right to learn about and practice your own language, customs and beliefs
- Whole school daily acts of collective worship/assembly allow for the sharing of stories, images, events, music and expectations which promote the universal values. We ensure that we are flexible and responsive to current issues within our school community, nationally and within the wider world.
- Teaching and learning within our RE curriculum covers a range of faiths, religions and cultures in line with the Locally Agreed Syllabus. This work is supplemented by visits to cultural and religious buildings and by visitors coming in to school.
- Links with schools in other parts of the world to engage learning about language and cultural diversity.
- Our Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education (PSHCE) curriculum is based on the three themes within the PSHCE Association’s planning: health and wellbeing, relationships and living in the wider world all of which link naturally with the universal values and our rights respecting ethos.
Respect
UNCRC Article 29 – You have the right to develop yourself to the full and to develop respect for others and the environment
- Respect is central to everything we do at Oakley Cross. Our school thrives in a culture of respect. Our Structured Respectful Relationships policy provides guidelines for promoting good choices and has clear boundaries when those in school do not show appropriate respect
- Our children are integral to drafting class and whole school charters, including the Oakley promises, which outline the expectations of all within our school community.
- Children take on roles of responsibility within school e.g. Rights Respecting Ambassadors, Buddies, Playtime Monitors, Nursery helpers
Individual Liberty
UNCRC Article 42 – you have the right to know about your rights under the convention
UNCRC Articles 1 & 2 – you all have rights under the convention
- Children have regular opportunities and are encouraged to make choices within the safe environment of the school. Pupil voice is strong at Oakley Cross.
- Through our curriculum work in PSHCE, RE and On-line safety, children are encouraged to know their rights and be able to demonstrate how to use them appropriately. There is regular discussion about why choices have been made and the impact of such choices on ourselves and others.
- We provide choice for our children in a variety of situations; how to present a piece of work for the best effect, the after school clubs they wish to attend and the meals the have at lunchtime for example
Democracy
UNCRC Article 12 – you have the right to have a say in all matters affecting you
- Our children know they have a right to be heard and we encourage a culture of openness and honesty. Children know there is always someone to talk to in school.
- Children at Oakley Cross regularly engage in the democratic process, for example, through voting for representatives from their class to be Ambassadors, E-safety Cadets or Playground Guardians, they vote as a school on the choice of treat for the end of each half term, and they often vote on children to receive individual and class awards.
- Our children have written letters to the American president outlining the benefits of him signing the UNCRC agreement as they were appalled that America had not agreed to give the same rights to its children.
- The children take part in debate and discussion within lessons and often write persuasive texts outlining the strengths of their argument.
The Rule of Law
UNCRC Article 36 – you have the right to be protected in body and in mind
UNCRC Article 19 – You have the right to be safe
- Our children are taught the importance of rules and laws; our classroom charters, school charter and laws within our society are regularly reinforced. Children are helped to understand the reasons for having rules and laws and the consequences of not having them as a protective factor.
- We have strong links with our Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) who regularly works with children promoting safety in the community and online, encourages making good choices and upholding British Law
- Visitors to school help to promote safety as part of our teaching and learning; Jet and Ben, the local Fire Fighters and Kirsty, our school nurse. Our older children attend the ‘safety carousel’ on an annual basis and every year we take part in Safer Internet Day.
- Through our PE curriculum we promote the concept of ‘fair play’, following and developing rules, inclusion, teamwork, celebrating success and being magnanimous in defeat
