British Values
Promoting British Values at our School
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 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 St Peter & St Paul CofE Primary School these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy
Democracy is embedded at our school. Pupils are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and with concern to each other, respecting the right of all individuals to have their opinions and voices heard. Pupils also have the opportunity to air their opinions and ideas through our School Council, and other ‘Pupil Voice’ groups, such as Healthy Living Group, Sports Leaders and Eco Warriors. The elections of the School Council members and House Captains are undertaken by pupil votes, reflecting our British electoral system and demonstrating democracy in action.
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 daily acts of worship, e-safety and P.S.H.E. lessons. Whether it is through choice of challenge, of how they record, or of participation in our numerous extra- curricular activities: our pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
British Values and Enterprise Week
Once a year the whole school explores a range and variety of “Britishness”, through a range of curriculum areas, so that pupils have creative opportunities that offer a taste of being British, such as singing traditional songs, enjoying music by British composers, and learning about British historical events and British sports, such as tennis at Wimbledon.
They will learn the geography of the British Isles, including the capital cities of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, along with British traditions and customs, food, the Royal Family, and the Government, and how it works.
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 a ‘Code of Conduct’, which is deeply embedded in our work every day. Each class follows the same Code of Conduct, and this is reinforced and put into action by the use of the ‘Zone Board’ for rewarding positive and caring behaviour and attitudes. The Code of Conduct and the Zone Boards are clearly understood by all and are a distinctive element of our Values for Life to encourage us all to become active and caring human beings. Our pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, how they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves, and the consequences when laws are broken.
Mutual Respect
Respect is one of the core values of our school as can be seen on the Code of Conduct all around the school. Also, through our ‘Mission Statement’ our pupils and staff were involved in its creation and it is deeply embedded in all that we do at the school. 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. The Mission Statement is included on all our policy documents to reinforce the importance of the values we hold. The core value of respect at St Peter & St Paul CofE Primary School underpins our work every day both in and out of the classroom.
Tolerance of Those With Different Faiths And Beliefs
St Peter & St Paul CofE Primary School has a Christian ethos, and welcomes pupils of all faiths, including those with no beliefs, or atheists.
Our core value of Respect ensures tolerance of those who have different faiths and beliefs. St Peter & St Paul CofE Primary School enhances pupils’ understanding of different faiths and beliefs through history, geography, religious education: P.S.H.E. work: visits to other schools in different settings: welcoming visitors from other schools that are not predominately white British, and enjoying a depth of study during themed weeks. During themes such as Multi-Cultural Week or European Week the whole school will focus on a continent or a European country exploring beliefs, traditions and customs. Visitors are welcomed into our school to enrich and extend the experiences for all children. Through this our pupils gain an enhanced understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society.