Norristhorpe Junior & Infant School

The DfE reinforce the need “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.”

The Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values were reiterated in 2014.  At Norristhorpe these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy

Norristhorpe is a democratic school. Each year the children discuss their class charter and the rights associated with these. All the children contribute to the drawing up of the charter.  Children have the opportunity to apply for positions within school; play leaders, classroom monitors etc.

Children have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. We have a school council which meets regularly to discuss issues raised in class council meetings.

The council has its own budget and is able to genuinely effect change within the school.  Four council members for each year group are voted in by their classes.

Children have an opportunity to share their opinions through Pupil Voice and Pupil questionnaires. (For example – Pupil Voice questionnaire for assemblies)

The Rule of Law

The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind 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 and Fire Service help reinforce this message.  Children have the opportunity to study Crime and Punishment through the ages, comparing this to present day (Year 4).  In addition, Year 6 children visit a court and local magistrates visit school.

 Individual Liberty

Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make choices safely, through provision of a safe environment and empowering education.  Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it is through choice of learning challenge, of how they record, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.

Mutual Respect

Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect.

‘The promotion of pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is strong and supported well through assemblies and specific activities in lessons’  Ofsted Report 2013

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

Norristhorpe is situated in an area which is culturally diverse; therefore we place a great emphasis on promoting diversity with the children. Assemblies are regularly planned to address this either directly or through the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures. Our RE and PSHE teaching reinforce this. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. Children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths.  Our curriculum reflects our understanding of British Values as well as our understanding of a multi-cultural society; subjects such as History, Geography, Art, Literacy as well as RE and PSHE all give opportunities for children to research, experience and learn about events, British traditions, laws and the influence of other cultures within our society.  In Religious Education, students study Judaism, Christianity and Islam and all of these major faiths base their values on the ‘Ten Commandments’, which also underpin our British rule of law.

At Norristhorpe, we will actively challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views.  Staff and Governors closely monitor any issues arising.

Our pupils experienced democracy first hand by holding our own Mock Election.

Teams from across Key Stage 2 formed parties and agreed their agenda for change if they were to be elected to Parliament. After registering with the Returning Officer, the wrote their manifestos, created Party Election Broadcasts and canvassed voters through the school.

Ellie - Miss E Party Manifesto

Sophie - Equality Party Manifesto

Lucy - Environmental Party Manifesto

Holly - Planet Party Manifesto

Zahraa - Team ZAC Party Manifesto 

Declan - Your Vote Counts Party Manifesto

With the candidates in place, children across school played their part in listening to what the parties had to offer and giving up their time to vote at the Polling Station, assisted by the Polling Clerks.

The votes were counted under the watchful eyes of the supervising agents before everyone was full of anticipation for the Returning Officer's decleration.

Well done to all the children who took part and learned about how elections and democracy can have an impact on their lives.

Our Mock Election came shortly after Norristhorpe took an active part in UK Parliament Week, an annual festival that engages people from across the UK with their UK Parliament, explores what it means to them and empowers them to get involved.
Pupils in KS2 campaigned on issues that were important to them, using the green screen to share their views on a virtual Parliament Square. Year 4 Pupils recreated the House of Commons in their classroom to help understand how laws are made in our country, which was very valuable information for the KS2 Great British Parliamentary Quiz!

Our Member of Parliament, Tracy Brabin, explained the role of an MP and how pupils can make their voice heard through an interview from the House of Commons.

Parliament Week was a fantastic opportunity to explore the importance of Parliament in our democratic process and how we can all play a part.

Follow this link to the Project Britain website where you can learn about life in Great Britain. It's a fascinating insight into the culture, the customs and the traditions.

http://projectbritain.com

Follow this link to find out everything about the British Royal Family.

http://www.royal.gov.uk/MonarchUK   

It was a couple of years ago that Mrs Feather, Cover Supervisor, had been discussing Martin Luther King's  "I Have a Dream" speech with her G&T group. A now former pupil, Jamie Speight, at the time in Year 6, produced this fabulous piece of work.

I Have a Dream

I have a dream, a dream in which one day our fighting nations shall unite.

I have a dream, when foe becomes friend and enemy becomes ally.

Let us not get lost in the maze of rivalry.

Let us all sit together at the table of friendship.

I have a dream, that one day we will all be able to see through the thick fog of war.

I have a dream, that one day the world will help the flower of trust flourish.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream of freedom.

~~~~~~~~~

Yr 2 pupils visted the cenotaph in Heckmondwike on 11th November to lay their hand made poppies and remember those who have died .

Following the pupils visit to the cenotaph Mrs Lyles received this letter which we would like to share with you.

"Dear Mrs Lyles

I feel I need to send this message to express how proud I am as a Norristhorpe parent on the impeccable behaviour of all year 2 pupils whilst on their walk to the Heckmondwike cenotaph. As a parent volunteer I was extremely impressed with how, at such a young age, they conducted themselves. Not only walking beautifully , sensibly and safely but how they showed great respect during the 2 minute silence. I felt very proud to be part of this and even more so with the comments from adult spectators commenting also on the children's excellent behaviour.  They , in my opinion,  were an excellent example of a great school and did the school proud and deserve full recognition for this.

Regards and best wishes

Cathy Everett"

At Norristhorpe School we like to keep up with the news. In Key Stage 2 we all read and do activities using First News, the weekly newspaper. We love to read the storeis and find out about all the amazing things that happen around our country, and beyond. In guided reading we read the stories and answer quetions, and are challenged to find storied using just the pictures. http://firstnews.co.uk