British Values

Promoting Fundamental British Values

In accordance with The Department for Education we aim to actively promote British values in school to ensure our 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 Britain are subject to its law.

The Fundamental British Values are:

• democracy

• rule of law

• individual liberty

• mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

How this is done at Watling Street Primary

We actively promote British values through:

• Focusing on and showing how the school’s work is effective in securing these values

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

• School curriculum, ethos and aims

For Democracy, we:

• 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 of voting

• Include in the curriculum the advantages and disadvantages of democracy and how it works in Britain

• Encourage pupils to become involved in decision-making processes and ensure they are listened to in school

• Hold ‘mock elections’ so pupils learn how to argue and defend points of view (KS2)

• Help pupils to express their views

• Model how perceived injustice can be peacefully challenged

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

• Circle Time, discussion groups and PSHE

For Rule of law, we:

• Ensure school rules and expectations are clear and fair

• Use adhering to class rules as a celebration

• 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 across the year

• Teach pupils aspects of both civil and criminal law

For Individual liberty, we:

• 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 own 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

• Embed E-Safety throughout school

For Mutual respect and tolerance, we:

• Promote respect for individual differences

• Help pupils to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life

• 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

• Teach children to learn to disagree in a respectful way

• Develop critical personal thinking skills