Promoting British Values

Promoting British Values

The Department for Education have reinforced the 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.”

Schools, through their curriculum, are legally bound to actively promote fundamental British values:

Democracy – Having the right to an opinion/voice

Rule of Law – Understanding why rules are important and following them to develop order

Individual Liberty – The right to make our own choices

Mutual Respect – Having respect for each other, treating others as you want to be treated and working together

Tolerance of those from different faiths and beliefs – Learning about different faiths and cultures 

How do we actively promote British Values?

Democracy – What We Do

• Elect Pupil Leaders to teach pupils how they can influence decision-making through a democratic process
• Encourage children to express their views through “Pupil Voice” surveys and ensure they are listened to in school and see evidence of what they have suggested in place
• Teach children how to present their views logically through persuasive writing and discussion opportunities
• Promote Democracy through PSHE lessons and assemblies.

The Rule of Law – What We Do

• Povide pupils with a broad general knowledge of, and promote respect for English law through our PSHE curriculum and link this to their everyday lives through the consistent reinforcement of our own school rules, values and expectations
• Have high expectations about pupil conduct and this is reflected in our behaviour policy
• Have clear rewards and sanctions
• Celebrate positive behaviour across the school in assemblies and with parents/carers
• Ensure all staff are committed to promoting good behaviour
• Include visits from the local services, such as the police and fire brigade, to reinforce the rule of law as part of our curriculum

Individual Liberty – What We Do

• Support pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence
• Encourage pupils to take responsibility for their behaviour, as well as knowing their rights
• Challenge stereotypes
• Implement a strong anti-bullying culture
• Encourage children to develop their talents and individual skills across the curriculum and value all their achievements
• Ensure all staff follow safeguarding policies in order to provide a safe supportive environment to protect individuals
• Expect our children to behave in a safe, responsible way in order to protect each other and not to infringe on another child’s personal liberty
• Encourage children to express their opinions whilst learning to respect the opinions of others.

Mutual Respect and Tolerance – What We Do

• Celebrate our achievements, differences and cultural diversity through all school forums including in assemblies
• Support pupils’ understanding of the differences between people, such as differences of faith, ethnicity, disability, gender  and different family situations
• Encourage our pupils to challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour
• Help pupils to acquire an understanding of and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life
• Participate in fundraising campaigns e.g. Children in Need, Comic Relief.
• Organise visits to places of worship
• Celebrate different festivals
• Involve parents in sharing their languages and cultural experiences
• Implement our bespoke curriculum which is reflective of our diverse community