British Values
Fundamental British Values
The Department for Education states that there is a 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 Department for Education defines British Values as follows:
- Respect for democracy and support or participation in the democratic process
- Respect for the basis on which the law is made and applies in England
- Support for equality of opportunity for all
- Support and respect for the liberties of all within the law
- Respect for and tolerance of different faiths and religious and other beliefs.
At Wybourn Primary School, the Fundamental British values are defined as:
- Democracy
- Rule of Law
- Individual Liberty
- Mutual Respect and
- Tolerance
Democracy: Pupils debate topics of interest and current concerns, they express their views and making a meaningful contribution to the running of the school on matters that directly involve the school community. They have the opportunity to have their voices heard through pupil questionnaires. The principle of democracy is explored in the History curriculum as well as in assemblies. The Diversity School Council elects a President and Vice-president.
Rule of Law: The importance of laws and rules - those which govern classes, the school or the country - are consistently reinforced. Rules and expectations are clear, fair and regularly promoted.
Pupils are helped to distinguish right from wrong and are helped to respect the law. They are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken.
Pupils are helped to understand that living under the rule of law protects individuals.
Individual Liberty:
Pupils are actively encouraged, and given the freedom, to make choices knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. For example, by signing up for extra-curricular clubs, choosing the level of challenge in some lessons and becoming increasingly involved in child-led learning and peer coaching.
Boundaries are clear and maintained to help our pupils make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and a planned curriculum.
Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their behaviour, extended through the Forest Schools provision, extra-curricular activities, Sport Leaders programme and so on. Freedom of speech is modelled through encouraging pupil participation with skills being developed specifically through P4C enquiries.
Vulnerable pupils are protected and stereotypes challenged.
A strong anti-bullying culture is embedded in the school.
Mutual Respect and Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs:
Respect is one of the core values of our school. The pupils and staff know and understand that it is imperative that respect is shown to everyone, whatever differences we may have. The school strongly promotes respect for individual differences. Pupils are helped to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life.
Staff and pupils are encouraged to challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour.
Fundamental British Values – what they mean and how we implement them as a school and a society, are taught primary to the whole school through assemblies, then reinforced and embedded in classes. Throughout each year we focus on specific FBV to tie with local, national and global events including elections, Black History Month and so on.
British Values are enhanced and embedded throughout lessons and topics including P4C, RSHE, Diversity assemblies and celebrations, Wonder Weeks, whole school assemblies, the relationship policy and relational practice.
Fundamental British Values are part of SMSC Education (Social Moral Spiritual and Cultural). ‘Promoting Fundamental British Values As Part of SMSC In Schools’ states that ‘Schools should promote the Fundamental British Values of Democracy, Rule of Law, Individual Liberty, Mutual Respect and Tolerance’.
Spiritual development is shown by pupils’:
- ability to reflect on their own beliefs, that inform their perspective on life and their interest in and respect for different people’s faiths, feelings and values as well as their sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning about themselves, others and the world around them
Moral development is shown by pupils’:
- ability to recognise the difference between right and wrong and apply this understanding in their own lives, recognise legal boundaries and respect the civil and criminal law of England.
- understanding of the consequences of their behaviour and actions
- show interest in investigating and offering reasoned views about moral and ethical issues and their ability to understand and appreciate the viewpoints of others.
Social development is shown by pupils’:
- use of a range of social skills in a variety of contexts, for example, working and socialising with other children, including those from different religious, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds
- willingness to participate in a variety of communities and social settings, including by volunteering, cooperating well with others and being able to resolve conflicts effectively
Cultural development is shown by pupils’:
- understanding and appreciation of a wide range of cultures and cultural influences within school and further afield
- knowledge of Britain’s democratic parliamentary system and its central role in shaping our history and values, and in continuing to develop Britain
- willingness to participate in and respond positively to artistic, musical, sporting and cultural opportunities and their interest in exploring, improving understanding of and showing respect for different faiths and cultural diversity.