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 work in harmony with our British Values, and through our work on developing both aspects of children's personal values-set, we encourage pupils to consider them together.

At St Mary’s Primary we actively promoting British values through challenging pupils, staff or parents who express opinions contrary to British values. We model the values through what we say and do. These values are taught explicitly through Collective Worship, PSHE and RE. We also teach British Values through planning and delivering a broad and balanced curriculum.

The Key British Values are: 

• democracy 
• rule of law 
• individual liberty 
• mutual respect 
• tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs 

How this is done at St Mary’s CE Primary:

Democracy

• 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 the theme of Ancient Greece.
• Encourage pupils to become involved in decision-making processes and ensure they are listened to in school, such as through the School Council.
• Hold ‘mock elections’ so pupils learn how to argue and defend points of view (KS2).
• Help pupils to express their views, including through Prayer Space and Circle Time.
• Model how perceived injustice can be peacefully challenged.
• Democracy is shown through history themes such as the Vikings and Saxons.
• Circle Time and discussion groups.

Rule of Law

• Ensure school values and expectations are clear and fair.
• Classroom Code of Conduct, linked to our school's values.
• Use of praise and reward to promote positive consequences.
• Use of sanction to encourage pupils to take ownership of own behaviour.
• 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 and discuss how this might differ from some religious laws.
• E-safety

Individual Liberty

• 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.
• E-Safety lessons throughout school.

Respect and Tolerance

• 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.
• Learning to disagree in a respectful way.
• Develop critical personal thinking skills.