British Values

Promoting British Values

The Department for Education state that there is a 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 by the Prime Minister in 2014. At our school these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways. 

Democracy 

Democracy is embedded at the school.  Pupils are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and with concern to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard.  Pupils also have the opportunity to air their opinions and ideas through our School Council and regular questionnaires.  The elections of the School Council members are based solely on pupil votes, reflecting our British electoral system and demonstrating democracy in action. 

The Rule of Law 

The importance of laws whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced.  Our school has simple rules which are deeply embedded in our work every day and as a result do not have to be displayed on every wall.

Each class discusses and sets its own rules that are clearly understood by all and seen to be necessary to ensure that every class member is able to learn in a safe and ordered environment.

Our 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. Staff consistently apply the behaviour policy and model what is expected of pupils, for example by holding doors open for those who are following. Assemblies are utilised to provide reminders of rules and the reasons for them.

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 our pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and an empowering education. 

Our pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely; examples of this can be clearly seen in our e-safety and P.S.H.E. lessons.  

Examples of choices that children can make:

• choice of challenge
• how they record work
• which extra-curricular activities they participate in 

Mutual Respect: 

The pupils know and understand that it is expected and imperative that respect is shown to everyone, whatever differences we may have and to everything, however big or small.   

Assemblies and work in SMSC activities and other areas of the curriculum educate pupils about the differences that people may have as well as the similarities. 

Our partnership with St Mary's school in Zambia has provided many opportunities for pupils to demonstrate respect for others in the world.

Tolerance of Those With Different Faiths And Beliefs: 

Our school enhances pupils understanding of different faiths and beliefs through religious education studies; P.S.H.E. work; visits  welcoming visitors from other places.   

Our work with St Mary's School, Zambia has enriched this aspect of promoting British values. 

Beliefs, traditions and customs are studied, with visitors being invited in to our school to enrich and extend understanding.  Through this our pupils gain an enhanced understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society.