Newcastle North MP, Catherine McKinnell, visited a trio of primary schools from the Newcastle North West Learning Trust on Friday (20th May), to help celebrate British Values Day.
Under guidance provided by the Department for Education, all schools now have a duty to ‘actively promote’ what the Government has defined as the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different beliefs and faiths.
Schools across the country celebrated their work on this issue throughout the day, and Catherine was invited to visit Cheviot Primary School and Farne Primary School, both located in Newbiggin Hall, before heading over to Kingston Park Primary School to join in with each school’s British Values Day activities.
The Newcastle North MP was grilled about her work, the importance of democracy and how laws are made by children from all three schools, with Cheviot Primary pupils also sharing their future career plans and ideas about how they would improve their local area in a whole-school assembly.
Year 2 pupils at Farne Primary spoke with Catherine about the ‘Kings and Queens’ costumes they had made, whilst Year 5 pupils showed her the stained glass windows they were creating in the style of the Dearsley Windows in Parliament commemorating the campaign for women’s right to vote. Farne Primary pupils also spent the day hearing from different faith groups, and enjoying a fish and chips street party-style lunch.
Pupils and staff at all three schools were dressed in red, white and blue – with some Kingston Park Primary pupils also dressed a famous Britons from history, including Year 2 pupil Isla who came as Emmeline Pankhurst. Catherine heard rousing renditions of Kingston Park Primary’s school song and the national anthem during their assembly, as well as a performance of famous British songs by the school choir. Catherine left the Kingston Park pupils as they were looking forward to ending the day with an afternoon tea.
Catherine said:
‘One of my favourite parts of being an MP is visiting local schools, so to get to visit three in one day – and for such a special event – was a real treat. I was so impressed by what pupils at all three schools have taken on board about democracy, about why we have laws and – perhaps most importantly – the importance of respecting other people’s ideas and beliefs.’
Cheviot Headteacher, Caroline Tetley, said: ‘Our children were inspired to see British values in action, by speaking to a real MP.’
Lee Gallon, Headteacher at Farne Primary, said:
‘Today has been a very special event and pupils have deepened their understanding of the fundamental British values, through purposeful learning and engaging activities. Our school aims and mission statement also reflect the British values, ensuring that our pupils are proud, confident individuals, successful learners and responsible citizens of our community.’
Kingston Park Primary Headteacher, Jayne Evans, said:
‘Our children learnt so much during the day focusing on the qualities and values that have made Britain the country that it is: democracy, liberty, the rule of law and tolerance. Catherine’s visit really enhanced the children’s understanding of the way the Houses of Parliament works and the democratic process.’
