British Values 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. Stanion C f E Primary School’s Christian values work in harmony with the British Values, and through our work on developing both sets of values the children are encouraged to consider them both together.

The Key Values are:

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

How do we do this at Stanion Primary?

• We actively promote British values through:
• Modelling values through what we say and do.
• 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.
• Teaching British Values explicitly through our curriculum and collective worship.
• The use of ‘Picture News’ a look at topical news issues based around The British Values.

Democracy – what do we do?

• 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
• 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 and discussion groups

Rule of law – what do we do?

• Ensure school rules and expectations are clear and fair.
• Class rules and celebration of adhering to these rules.
• 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.
• Teach pupils aspects of both civil and criminal law and discuss how this might differ from some religious laws (Year 6).
• Visits from the Police arranged by North Northamptonshire Council.
• Use praise and rewards (team points, merit points, head-teacher’s awards) to promote positive consequences.

Individual liberty – what do 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
• 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 – SEAL theme – ‘Say no to bullying’
• Online Safety throughout school
• Implement a strong anti-bullying message (Several Times On Purpose; Start Telling Other People)

Respect and tolerance – what do we do?

• 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 (Key Stage Faith Tour in Bedford)
• Learning to disagree in a respectful way
• Develop critical personal thinking skills