Introduction

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The DfE have recently reinforced 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.’

The Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these have been reiterated in 2014.

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Aims

Through our provision of British Values, our work on SMSC and our School Values, we aim to:

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• Enable pupils to develop their self–knowledge, self esteem and self confidence

• Enable pupils to distinguish right from wrong and to respect the civil and criminal law in England

• Encourage pupils to accept responsibility for their behaviour, show initiative, and to understand how they can contribute positively to the lives of those living and working in the locality of the school and to society more widely

• Enable pupils to acquire a broad general knowledge and respect for public institutions and services in England

• Further tolerance and harmony between different cultural traditions by enabling pupils to acquire an appreciation of and respect for their own and other cultures

• Encourage respect for other people

• Encourage respect from democracy and support for participation in the democratic processes, including respect for the basis on which the law is made and applied in England 

 

The  following knowledge and understanding is expected of pupils as a result of the school promoting fundamental British values.

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• An understanding of how citizens can influence decision-making through the democratic process

• An appreciation that living under the law protects individual citizens and is essential for their well-being and safety

• An understanding that there is a separation of power between the executive and the judiciary, and that while some public bodies such as the police and the army can be held to account through the Parliament, others such as the courts maintain independence

• An understanding that the freedom to choose and hold other faiths and beliefs is protected in law

• An acceptance that other people having different faiths or beliefs to oneself (or having none) should be accepted and tolerated, and should not be the cause of prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour

• An understanding of the importance of identifying and combatting discrimination

 

Teaching British Values

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Promoting British Values at The John Moore Primary School

At The John Moore Primary School these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

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Democracy

We have a Pupil Council which is democratically elected.  Pupils who wish to stand for election present to fellow pupils their reasons for wishing to stand and explain what they feel they could contribute to the success of the council.  Every child on the council is voted in by their class.  The Pupil Council meets regularly with a designated teacher to discuss issues raised in Class Council meetings and to plan events for the school.

Children have an annual pupil questionnaire where they are able to put forward their views about the school.

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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 The John Moore Primary School.

Pupils are taught from an early age about the importance of rules in school. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws or rules are broken Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help reinforce this message.

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Individual Liberty

At The John Moore Primary School, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment.  As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education.  Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through out E-safety and PSHCE lessons.

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Mutual Respect

Mutual respect is at the heart of our values.  Children learn 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.  One of our key values:  ‘Share – our kindness and our respect for others and our school.’

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Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

The John Moore Primary School is becoming a more diverse school.  We actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures.  Religious Education lessons and PSHCE lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others.  Members of different faiths and religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. The children visit places of worship in the local community.