British Values

Promoting Fundamental British Values

In accordance with The Department for Education we aim to actively promote British values in schools 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.

 

Our school's core Christian values of ‘Grace, Strength and Love’, work in harmony with our British Values, and through our work on developing both aspects of children's personal values, we encourage pupils to consider them together.

The Key British Values are:

 

• Democracy  (Aim High, Believe We Can Do It)
• Rule of Law  (Do the Right Thing)
• Individual Liberty  (Aim High, Do the Right Thing)
• Mutual Respect  (Love Others)
• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs  (Love Others, Do the Right Thing)

 

How this is done at St Margaret’s CE Primary School:

 

Actively promoting British values through

Challenging pupils, staff or parents who express opinions contrary to British values.

Modelling values through what we say and do.

Teaching British Values explicitly and implicitly through our curriculum and Collective Worship.

 

Democracy – what do we do?

Provide pupils with a broad general knowledge of, and promote respect for, public institutions and services.

Teach pupils how they can influence decision-making through the democratic process.

Include in the curriculum information on the advantages and disadvantages of democracy and how it works in Britain.

Teach pupils the history of democracy, such as through Year 3 topic on Ancient Greece and the Year 4 topic on Ancient Egypt.

Encourage pupils to become involved in decision-making processes and ensure they are listened to in school, such as through the School Council.

Ensure that General Elections and other national elections are discussed openly but without prejudice.

Help pupils to express their views, including through Reflection Corners and Circle Time.

Model how perceived injustice can be peacefully challenged.

Democracy is shown through history topics such as the Vikings and Saxons.

Circle Time and discussion groups.

 

Rule of law – what do we do?

Ensure school values and expectations are clear and fair.

Classroom Code of Conduct, linked to our school's core values.

Use of praise and reward to promote positive consequences.

The use of the Behaviour Policy to encourage children to take responsibility for their behavior.

Help pupils to distinguish right from wrong.

Help pupils to respect the law and the basis on which it is made.

Help pupils to understand that living under the rule of law protects individuals.

Include visits from the police.

 

Individual liberty – what do we do?

Support pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence

Strong focus on pupils developing own self-discipline by replacing rules with values - supporting children to adopt them independently.

Encourage pupils to take responsibility for their behaviour, as well as knowing their rights.

Model freedom of speech through pupil participation, while ensuring protection of vulnerable pupils and promoting critical analysis of evidence.

Challenge stereotypes.

Implement a strong anti-bullying culture by use of Bully Busters, restorative justice and participation in the National Anti-Bullying week.

E-Safety lessons through school.

 

Respect and tolerance – what do we do?

Promote respect for individual differences.

Help pupils to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life, particularly through RE curriculum

Challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour.

Organise visits to places of worship.

Develop links with faith and other communities through RE and working alongside children and their families.

Marking Remembrance Day in collective worship and around the school, teaching children why it is so important that we remember those who have lost their lives for our freedom.

Learning to disagree in a respectful way.

Develop critical personal thinking skills.