Promoting British Values

“Love one another as I have loved you, so you must love one another.” -  John 13:34

"...treat others as you would want them to treat you" - Matthew 7:12

The DFE states the 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”

St John’s Church of England (Aided) Primary School is committed to serving its community and surrounding areas. It recognises that multi-cultural, multi faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom, and therefore those it serves. It also understand the vital role it has in ensuring that groups of individuals within the school are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly or illegally influence them. 

The school, as a Church of England school with its mission to serve the local community, accepts admissions from all those entitled to an education under British law, including pupils of Christian faith, all faiths or none. It follows the polices outlined by its governing body regarding equal opportunities, which guarantee that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status or similar. It seeks to serve all, 

The Government emphasises that schools are required to ensure that key ‘British Values’ are taught in all UK schools. The government set out its definition of British values in the ‘Prevent Strategy’ – values of: 

• democracy 

• rule of law 

• individual liberty 

• mutual respect 

• tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs 

Our Christian Values support the promotion of British values: 

Love 

Our foundation of unconditional love for everyone in our community leads us towards tolerance and not judgement in all our relationships. We all work together as a team even through our choices, beliefs and cultures can be different. We learn to make our own choices about our behaviour and spirituality but we actively encourage mutual respect for different cultures and beliefs.  

Respect 

Our value of respect leads us to show mutual respect towards all in our community. It teaches us that we should treat others in the way we wish to be treated, showing tolerance of beliefs and faiths that may be different to ours. As part of this work, we also establish the need to show respect to those in authority including those who are democratically elected both in school and the wider world. Our behaviour policy, class charters and the school rules reinforce the need to show respect to everyone, even when we have a disagreement, and these demonstrate how the rule of law binds a community together in a harmonious way. 

Truth 

Through our core value of Truth we recognise that it takes courage to tell the truth and act with integrity. We show what we mean through our words and actions demonstrating mutual respect and tolerance to those around us. Even when we are pressurised, or it is difficult, we find the courage to tell the truth, following the rule of law and admitting when we have not done so.  

Examples of where British Values are promoted across the curriculum:

Democracy

Democracy is prevalent within the school. Pupils have the opportunity to take part in the democratic process through voting for their peers to represent classes in our School Council, or as a team captain. Through these systems and the completion of pupil questionnaires we encourage pupils to contribute their views about school. Pupils develop their own class agreement which stems from the school agreement. Debates and voting are strategies of pupil voice that are regularly used across the curriculum

The Rule of Law

The importance of Laws is reinforced through teaching around the laws that govern the class, the school and the country. Pupils are taught the reasons behind laws, the responsibilities that we have to live within these laws and the consequences if we break the law. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce that laws are in place to protect us and keep us safe. The school operates a whole school agreement from which pupils in each class derive a set of classroom rules which are displayed and regularly referred to.

Individual Liberty

Identity is celebrated through our Christian core value of Respect where pupils learn about their rights and responsibilities. They are taught about their rights to be protected from discrimination, to an education and their freedom to have their own thoughts, opinions and beliefs. Pupils are given clear boundaries in all aspects of school life and are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. Pupils are given advice on how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons.

Mutual Respect

Respect is a core value of our school and fundamental to our school agreement. Pupils take part in discussions and assemblies related to how we show and earn respect. Displays around the school promote respect for others and this is reiterated through our classroom agreement and policies such as our Behaviour for Learning and Positive Relationships Policy.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

Our pupils’ develop their understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society through our broad and balanced curriculum. Pupils celebrate the main religious festivals through assemblies and religious education teaching. During lessons, pupils learn about aspects of different faith systems and cultures, tolerance of those with different faiths, beliefs and lifestyles. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. St John’s is a safe place where any form of racist or discriminatory language, including homophobic name calling, will be challenged.