British Values

Promoting Fundamental British Values

In accordance with the Department of Education, we aim to actively promote British Values in school to ensure that young people leave school prepared for life in modern Britain. Pupils are encouraged to regard people of all faiths, race and cultures with respect and tolerance and understand that while different people may hold different views about what is ‘right and ‘wrong’, all people in England are subject to it’s laws.

Promoting British Values

The Government emphasises that schools are required to ensure that the key ‘British Values’ are taught in all schools in the United Kingdom. The Government set out its definition of British Values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy.

The five values are:

• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect
• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

St. Paul’s uses the strategies within the National Curriculum, and beyond, to secure such outcomes for children. The following examples show some of the many ways in which school seeks to embed British Values.

Democracy

The principle of democracy is consistently being reinforced at St. Paul’s, with democracy processes being used for important decisions within the school community, for instance the election of School Council representatives from our Key Stage 2 classes. The principle of democracy is also explored in the History curriculum, as well as in Collective Worship through the study of Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King.

The rule of law

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced at our school.

Children are taught the rules and expectations of the school which are highlighted by the behaviour code and class rules. Children are taught the value and the reasons behind laws that govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when rules and laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service reinforce this message. Moral issues surrounding the rule of law are discussed in RE and History lessons.

Individual liberty

At St. Pauls C of E Primary School, children are actively encouraged to make independent choices, with the knowledge that they are in a safe, secure and supportive environment. Staff at school educate and provide boundaries for children to make informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education. The RSE and DATE curriculum ensures children are aware of risks and can make educated choices.

Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised on how to exercise these safely, for example through e-safety and visits from the NSPCC about Child Sexual Exploitation. Children learn about identifying risk and how to manage it.

St. Paul’s has a robust anti-bullying culture and has in place a comprehensive Behaviour Policy, built upon the principles of a Restorative Approach.

Mutual respect

Respect is a strong part of St. Paul’s C of E Primary School and is one of our key Christian values and part of our Mission Statement. Children learn, through Collective Worship and curriculum lessons, that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect and this is reiterated through its teaching and learning environments.

Mutual respect is embraced throughout the curriculum by providing the opportunity for children to express their views in a safe environment, promoting a tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.

This is achieved through equipping children with the ability to understand their place within a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity within the school community. Children benefit from a number of visits, visitors and experiences. Religious Education provides a broad and balanced education on a range of faiths, religions and cultures.

St. Paul’s C of E Primary School strives endlessly to ensure that its children leave with the strongest foundation upon which to build a successful life and a successful contribution to our society.