“We want every school to promote the basic British Values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance for those of different faiths and beliefs.” -Lord Nash

At Manor Leas Junior Academy, we develop and promote British Values throughout our school and within our curriculum. A key part of our plan for education is to ensure children become valuable and fully rounded members of society who treat others with respect and leave school fully prepared for life in modern Britain.

British Values

• The Rule of Law

• Democracy

• Individual Liberty

• Mutual Respect

• Tolerance for those of different faiths and beliefs

   

To do this our children will develop;

• An understanding of how citizens can influence decision-making through the democratic process

• An understanding that the freedom to hold other faiths and beliefs is protected in law

• An acceptance that people having different faiths and beliefs to oneself (or having none) should be accepted and tolerated, and should not be the cause of discriminatory behaviour

• An understanding of the importance or identifying and combating discrimination

Here at Manor Leas Junior Academy, we think it is important for children to explore and discuss issues and topics that are relevant to them and their lives. The exciting presentations create an opportunity to make an active vote ‘for’ or ‘against’ a decision, and encourage the children to justify their opinions and bravely make a stand towards what they believe is right. From politics to global warming, mental health to diversity, we are ensuring that we are exposing our children to conversations that are happening all over the globe everyday. We see the importance of our children being part of those discussions and creating their own outlook and position in our current world. 

Some questions we have discussed recently are: 

• Are lables useful for neurodiversity? 
• Is the internet bad for relationships? 
• Have recent films challenged stereotypes for women and girls? 
• Should animals all be treated the same? 
• Should the 'Homes for Ukraine' programme help more refugees? 
• Is it right the Prime Minister kept his job after breaking lockdown rules? 

Votes for Schools ensure that the questions considered each week matches one of the 9 Key Themes. 

1. Health and Wellbeing 

2. Equalities and Identity

3. Environment and Climate Change 

4. Global issues and Politics 

5. Science and Technology 

6. Community and Charity 

7. Crime, Justice and Extremism 

8. Jobs, Economy and Education

9. Culture, Media and the Arts 

With such a wide range of topics spanning over the course of an academic year, children are sure to be enthused and interested in some of the questions raised, as well as finding new things and subjects they want to explore further. 

Each week, we both share the national results from the previous week as well as the question coming up next with parents. This encourages these conversations to start/ continue at home as we understand how important they are. We have found our children are empathetic, aware of other's situations and ultimately have a sound understanding of the world around them and what they may entail.