Fundamental British Values

Subject Lead: Mrs D Laviolette

Link LAC Member: Mrs J Lynch

In accordance with The Department for Education' guidance to, "create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British Values", we aim to actively promote British Values in our school to ensure young people leave school prepared for life in modern Britain.

Pupils are encouraged to regard people of all faiths, races and cultures with respect and tolerance and understand that while different people may hold different views about what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, all people living in England are subject to its law. 

The Key British Values are:

• Democracy
• The Rule of Law
• Individual Liberty
• Mutual Respect
• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs (Acceptance)

 We encourage our children to develop their understanding of these values throughout their time at school in order that they become responsible citizens both within school and beyond

Democracy

Throughout their time at school there will be many occasions where children will have the opportunity to be involved in the democratic process, for example through voting and having their voices heard. We understand that children's opinions about their school are valuable and need to be at the heart of our decision-making.

Our School Council has members elected from each class and has regular meetings to represent the views of their classmates. In the Summer Term, an election is held for Head Boy and Head Girl where candidates have to make a speech and pupils vote.

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced. Children are taught the value and reasons behind our expectations. They recognise that rules are there to protect us, that everyone has a responsibility and that there are consequences when rules are broken. Our four christian values are part of our school ethos and are referred to in all parts of the school day. Workshops such as the 'Safety Carousel' also help to reinforce the message of rule of law.

Individual Liberty

Our children are encouraged to make choices. Through our provision of a safe environment, children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms. Our children are encouraged to be as independent as possible in order to become good and valued citizens. We teach children to make safe choices eg through E-Safety work, NSPCC workshops and PSHCE. Children take responsibility for particular roles, such as School Council, Playground Buddies, monitors etc. This helps to develop their self-esteem. 

Mutual Respect

Respect is one of our school values which are embedded throughout each school day. Children learn that their behaviour has an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of our school community are encouraged to treat each other with respect. We support others by collecting Harvest goods for a chosen charity, as well in participating in national charitable events such as Children in Need, Sports Relief and others. We regularly have visitors to school to talk about respect eg our Respect and Resilience workshops.

Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs 

Our RE curriculum offers opportunities to provide a broad and balanced education on a range of faiths and cultures. Through our Christian values, all children are taught to respect everyone regardless of their faith and beliefs. Cultures from other parts of the world are also taught through our topic work as well as our Collective Worship themes. This enables the children to acquire an appreciation of and respect for their own and other cultures.

British Values: Curriculum Links