Rule of Law

In Reception, the children are beginning to understand how to manage their actions in line with our school rules of Ready, Respectful, Safe. It is important young children recognise that boundaries are in place for safety, wellbeing and effective learning. 

We talked about what safe play looks like and how to play inclusively with others. We talked about the consequences of our actions and looked at different scenarios to think  and reflecting on right and wrong in different situations. 

The children used role play, puppets, and hot seating to explore right and wrong. For example, they acted out different scenarios and then thought about what would happen and what would be the consequence of different actions. We loved acting out how our actions could change things and make things better.

Pupil voice:

Orion: I wonder if Eflie just woke up in a bad mood and we can cheer him up by being silly?

Nina: maybe someone said Elfie can't come to their party and he got cross and then sad?

Amelia: We could let Elfie put marble in the jar and then do a dance. That will cheer him up I think and he will be kind.

Blencathra

We discussed the importance of the law and what life would be like with no rules. We then designed our own kingdom and came up with 4 rules each, lots of us agreed showing kindness should be an important rule. 

Sienna "the world would not be safe a place"

Ashirai "rules make everyone happier"

Ben Hope

We explored the British Value of rule of law by learning the meanings and differences between rules and laws in society. The children considered different rules and laws they are aware of or have to follow in their own lives. We then wrote rules and laws we believe should be followed in our class and outside of school life. 

Pupil Voice: 

“Rule of law means people have to follow instructions that the government make up.” – Lilly 

“If we don’t follow the rules, we might go in time out but if we don’t follow the law we might go to jail.” – Khodi 

“Laws are for everywhere and everyone.” – Lillian

Everest

In our recent British Values lesson on the rule of law, Everest class explored how laws shape fair and just societies. They used their creativity to design their own unique lands, focusing on values that promote a good quality of life for everyone. Each child thoughtfully developed five essential laws to guide their citizens, ensuring their societies remained safe, inclusive, and harmonious. It was an inspiring activity that showcased their understanding of justice and teamwork!

Pupil Voice:

Parker 'My law is no littering, I want my land to be clean. The police on my land will catch anyone not following the laws.'

Ruby 'No kids smoking, you have to be an adult. Also no cars speeding. Everyone has to be kind in RubyLand.'

We discussed the purpose of rules and laws, using the book Lord of the Flies by William Golding as an example of what could happen without laws being monitored and followed. The children then worked in groups to decide the essential laws they would need if they ended up stranded on a desert island – fortunately many of them decided they should not resort to eating each other.