British Values
At Livingstone Primary School we promote SMSC (social, moral, spiritual and cultural development) and British Values - set out by the government in 2014 - in a variety of ways: through assemblies, lessons and our school values and ethos. Our pupils are given opportunities every day to demonstrate and develop these.
Democracy
Pupils have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. At the beginning of the year, each class votes for two school council representatives. The school council meets weekly to discuss issues raised within the school and to plan projects to help the local community. School council members have the opportunity to share their ideas with the head teacher.
During lessons, we encourage our pupils to voice their opinions in a safe and positive environment.
Individual Liberty
Within school, pupils are given opportunities to make their own choices: which after-school clubs they participate in; what food they select at lunch; what their attendance money is used for and choosing to have further responsibilities in the school.
Children are encouraged to know and understand their rights and personal freedoms and are advised on how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety, RE and PSHE lessons.
Respect
At Livingstone, respect is at the forefront of our ethos and we pride ourselves on being a part of a caring community in school, our local area and Barnet.
Each year the school celebrates ‘friendship week’ to encourage and promote positivity and kindness. Also, Key Stage Two have opportunities to ‘buddy’ with Early Years and Kingfisher pupils to enhance their play and social skills.
In addition our children leave school with a greater understanding and appreciation for pupils with SEN as a result of working cooperatively with and embracing pupils from our Kingfisher provision.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws – or rules – set out at Livingstone and the wider world are discussed and reinforced on a daily basis, with pupils understanding their responsibilities and their consequences and rewards.
In the autumn term each class devises their own class code, thinking about the rules that will help to make their school life run smoothly.
Pupils 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. Visits from authorities such as the Police help reinforce these messages.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
In our school we are lucky to have pupils who speak a range of languages and come from all over the world. As a result our pupils understand, respect and tolerate different religions, races and beliefs. We celebrate our similarities and differences through assemblies, special events, lessons and trips.
Annually we take part in a variety of events to celebrate our children’s heritages. One of our favourites is multicultural dance day which is enjoyed by pupils and staff alike. We participate in Black History Month every October during which the children learn about iconic black people from history.
Every year group visits a place of worship (mosque, synagogue etc) that are important to different faiths and learn about those faiths through our assemblies and RE curriculum. Opportunities to discuss current global events and issues relating to religion are discussed in an appropriate way that deters prejudice and stereotyping.
