British Values

Preparation for life in Modern Britain
Guidance produced by the Department of Education (November 2014) stated that all schools have a duty to ‘actively 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.
At Bearwood Primary and Nursery school we actively promote these British values through our spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) education which permeates throughout our curriculum and school experience, supporting the development of the whole child.
The following ‘British values’ have been identified by the Department of Education.
Democracy
Examples of promoting ‘Democracy’ in school
- Each class hold annual elections (where pupils give speeches and presentations) for ‘ Pupil voice’ representatives on the school council
- Creation and development of the class charters
- Representatives for school sports and talent events are selected democratically
- House captains chosen through an election process
- Key stage 2 assemblies promoting democracy through debates
- Election of house captains and sports ambassadors
The Rule of Law
Examples of promoting ‘The Rule of Law’ in school
- Team building across the year group following and respecting rules
- Reinforcement of school values and school ethos through whole school assemblies
- Playground charter devised by the pupils
- Visits by the school council to the local council chamber and Houses of Parliament
Individual Liberty
Examples of promoting ‘Individual Liberty, Respect and Tolerance for these of Different Faiths’
- All year groups through RE lessons
- Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in safe and supportive environment
- Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through E-Safety and PSHE lessons
- Class charters, School Values and Ethos actively promote respecting others and tolerance of differences
- Children actively celebrate their different religions by presenting power points in assemblies to share their differing culture and beliefs
Mutual Respect
Examples of promoting ‘Respect for other people’ in school
- PE lessons – teach children how to be inclusive
- The core value of respect is actively promoted and modelled by all staff and forms the basis for our relationships policy
- All children have equal opportunities to take part in all school activities
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
At Bearwood Primary and Nursery School we will actively challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views.