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British Values

Introduction

The Department for Education states 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 Department for Education defines British Values as follows:

  • Respect for democracy and support or participation in the democratic process                        
  • Respect for the basis on which the law is made and applies in England
  • Support for equality of opportunity for all
  • Support and respect for the liberties of all within the law
  • Respect for and tolerance of different faiths and religious and other beliefs

We ensure that the fundamental British Values are introduced, discussed and lived out through the ethos and work of the school.

All curriculum areas provide a vehicle for furthering understanding of these concepts and, in particular, RE, PSHE and assemblies provide opportunities to deepen and develop understanding.

We ensure all pupils acquire a broad general knowledge of and respect for public institutions and services in Britain. We encourage our children to be creative, unique, open-minded and independent individuals, respectful of themselves and of others in our school, our local community and the wider world. We aim to nurture our children on their journey through life so they can grow into safe, caring, democratic, responsible and tolerant adults who make a positive difference to British Society and to the world.

Specifically the ways in which we promote British Values at Cheriton Primary School are;

Value

How we promote this

Democracy

 

 
  • Encouraging leadership at all levels within the school.
  • Demonstrating how a democracy works through holding elections in each class for school councilors to represent the class on the school council.
  • Teaching about democracy through specific lessons (e.g. PSHE; the Ancient Greeks in History).
  • Assemblies and themed events focusing on key aspects of British democracy (e.g. linked to local and national elections) and on key figures from British History.
  • Consultation and involvement of pupils in reviewing key aspects of school life that have a significant impact on them (e.g. the behavior and rewards policy).
  • Pupils can nominate their peers to receive stickers and awards in recognition of demonstrating positive role model behavior.
  • Involvement of our pupils within the wider community – e.g. involvement in competitions, events and consultations with the local and parish council on issues that may affect them.
  • Using voting systems throughout the school curriculum – e.g. using a voting system to choose a book to be read by the class.

The rule of law

 

 
  • The school’s behavior policy is linked to the school ethos. Pupils are involved in reviewing the rules and routines around the school. They are taught to understand the importance of following rules and the reasons why there are rules and laws.
  • Each class writes their own ‘class charter’ each year, linked to the school values.
  • There is a clear strategy of rewarding those who follow school rules and a focus on positive behavior management strategies to encourage all pupils to be part of a positive community.
  • Texts are used (both in English, the wider curriculum and in reading for pleasure) where characters break rules or laws. The impact of these decisions are explored through drama, role play and discussion.
  • Pupils understand the role of law enforcement agencies within the country and professionals who work in these jobs (e.g. PCSOs/police officers, magistrates) are invited into school to discuss their roles with the pupils.

Individual Liberty

 

 
  • Pupils are taught how to keep themselves safe, including online. This is done throughout the whole curriculum which also includes visits from external agencies such as the NSPCC.
  • Pupils are taught about personal responsibility, choices, ambition and aspiration through the school values and PSHE curriculum. They are encouraged to take opportunities to follow their interests in art, music, sport, engineering etc.
  • The school has specific focused activities and theme days which address aspects of Individual Liberty, for example, our annual Anti-Bullying (Kindness) week.
  • The programme of Collective Worship focusses on individuals who have played a significant part in challenging injustice and inequality. (E.g. William Wilberforce; Nelson Mandela; the Suffragettes; Martin Luther-King).
  • Topics within the curriculum also focus on specific aspects of individual liberty e.g. Ancient Greek and Egyptian societies, gender equality in the past and present, the impact of the British Empire on other countries.

Mutual Respect

 

 
  • Respect is a core focus of the school and is promoted and celebrated at all opportunities. This is reflected in our behaviour policy.
  • All pupils learn that their behaviour and attitude have an effect on their own rights and those of others.
  • All members of the school community are expected to treat each other with respect and this is reiterated through our teaching and learning environment. 
  • Assembly themes regularly link to aspects of respect, explored through the use of stories, current and past news items and life stories of key figures (both past and present).
  • There are high expectations for all pupils on how they conduct themselves.
  • Lessons include opportunities and activities for pupils to be taught how to work together collaboratively and co-operatively with further opportunities for them to apply these skills.
  • Older pupils act as mentors for younger members of the school community in modelling mutual respect.
  • The literature read across the curriculum exposes pupils to individuals from different cultures, faiths and with different experiences to their own. They are encouraged to explore how these views are similar and different to their own and understand the importance of respecting and celebrating difference.

Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs

 

 
  • The curriculum explores the cultural diversity within the local community and in the United Kingdom as a whole, allowing pupils to understand the differing beliefs that others may hold.
  • Pupils are taught to discuss and debate key issues, while remaining mindful and tolerant of the beliefs and opinions of others.
  • The RE curriculum provides a broad and balanced education on a range of faiths, religions and cultures.
  • Pupils are encouraged to find similarities and differences between themselves and others and understand why these exist.
  • Pupils are taught to be curious and are encouraged to ask questions to find out more about the world around them.
  • Trips and visitors are planned to ensure pupils have first-hand experiences of the world around them, receiving accurate and relevant information from which they can make up their own minds about what they believe.

Cheriton Primary School strives to ensure that pupils leave with the strongest foundation of values upon which to build a successful life and a successful contribution to Britain and the wider community as appropriate.