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Cultural Diversity & British Values

Here at Old Basford School we strive for all our children, regardless of their background, to value, respect and celebrate the school and wider community.  We strongly encourage them to become independent, well-rounded members of a diverse British society who treat others with respect and tolerance. Celebrating difference and diversity is at the heart of our school.

Please see our Pupil Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy for the ways we seek to achieve our school aims, which are underpinned by our legal duty to follow the Equality Act 2010.

Old Basford School Celebration of Cultural Diversity 

Every year we hold an event in May, acknowledging the importance of UNESCO's 'World Day for Cultural Diversity Dialogue and Development'. We recognise and celebrate our rich, diverse community and understand how we can be united in our differences, promoting not only tolerance but mutual respect. The staff and children are encouraged to wear clothes to represent their cultural identity. During the school day, lessons are 'off timetable' and children learn about each other's cultures, talking about food, special family celebrations, special places, clothes and any religious festivals and rituals. They make flags and create artwork to represent the diversity of our school. At the end of the day parents are invited to watch the whole school parade around the school grounds in their finery. It is always a great day and very well attended by the community.

British Values

At OBS, we ensure that, through our school values, rules, curriculum and teaching, we promote respect for all cultures, faiths and lifestyles. We value the ethnic backgrounds of all our pupils and families and undertake a variety of events and lessons to celebrate and explore these alongside other cultures in our country. Through this approach, we teach understanding of, and respect for, the differences in our community and the wider world. 

We understand that we have a duty to prepare our children for life in modern Britain and to keep them safe.

In June 2014, the DfE reinforced the need for “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.”

What are British Values?

OBS actively promotes British Values, as defined by the government's 2011 Prevent Strategy. These are the values of:
• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Individual Liberty
• Mutual Respect
• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

How are British Values taught in our school?

Promoting British Values is a central part of teaching and learning. By promoting these, we aim for children to become well-rounded members of society. These British Values are promoted through the curriculum, across the whole school. They are also seen in our school’s ethos and policies, assemblies, special events and cultural celebrations. Below are some examples of how each of the British Values are promoted in school.

OBS PROUD rules:
• Polite and Helpful
• Respect
• Organised and Tidy
• Understand others' needs
• Do your best. 

At OBS, British Values are also taught and reinforced in the following ways:

Democracy 

'Everyone has equal rights and privileges'

  • In school, we promote this by:
    • Voting for school council and eco-council class reps – everyone has a vote and can put themselves forward. 
    • Regular pupil voice discussions within classrooms. This is often student council led and supported by the class teacher. 
    • Student council – you say what you want to happen, and they try and make it happen.
    • Voting for class 'proud pound' rewards. 
Rule of Law 

‘All people have to follow the law. The laws are made and enforced fairly’

  • In school, we promote this by:
    • We have clear school rules and a clear behaviour policy which is fair. Every child knows what the school rules are and what is expected of them. They also know the consequences that will happen if the rules are not followed and which are enforced fairly.
    • At the start of the year, every child and parent/guardian has to sign several codes of conduct, regarding reading, homework, school uniform – reading/homework.
    • We take part in initiatives such as The Great Project and DARE which help support some laws. 
Individual Liberty 

That everyone can make their own choices and understand they are accountable for those choices

  • In school, we promote this by:
    • In lessons, your teachers might ask your opinion on matters or information you find out .
    • You have a choice of what you want for dinner
    • Choosing what after-school clubs you want to join
    • PROUD rules – doing your best!
Mutual Respect

Treating others how you want to be treated

  • In school, we promote this by:
    • Our PROUD rules – being polite and helpful to others, understanding others' feelings
    • Respect others
    • Celebrating each other's success
Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

‘Having a fair, positive attitude to those who have different beliefs’

  • In school, we promote this by:
    • We are a very diverse school with many children having different faiths and beliefs. We try to celebrate this in class and invite a variety of speakers to come in and share their beliefs. 
    • We celebrate different religious festivals – Eid, Diwali, Christmas, Easter, Ramadan.
    • We learn about different faiths in RE
    • We visit different places of worship, such as the synagogue and mosque.

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