What are British values and how do we promote them at The Weald C of E Primary School?

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According to DfE, British values are: democracy; the rule of law; individual liberty; mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith.

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As of November 2014, schools must now promote British values. Advice from the DfE is to do so through Social Moral Spiritual and Cultural education (SMSC), and through the curriculum too.

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At The Weald C of E Primary School, you will encounter these values throughout our everyday school life. Below is just a snap shot of how we promote these values in our school community:

Democracy:

Pupil voice plays a big part in life at our school. Our School Council play a strong role in our school. They are elected by their class peers and are involved in making The Weald C of E Primary School a better place to learn. Curriculum leaders meet with pupils as part of their monitoring. Pupil questionnaires and interviews are also conducted throughout the year. We know that the formation of the School Council and the active participation of our pupils will sow the seeds for a more sophisticated understanding of democracy in the future.

The Rule of Law:

Our pupils will encounter rules and laws throughout their lives. We help pupils understand that whether laws govern the class, the school, the neighbourhood or the country, they are set for good reasons and benefit us when they are adhered to. This importance of rules will be consistently reinforced through assemblies and our curriculum. Through Personal Social Health Education (PSHE) and Religious Education (RE) we allow opportunity to debate and discuss the reasons for laws so children can recognise the importance of these for their own protection. Throughout the year we welcome visits from members of the wider community including police, the fire brigade and many more. We believe that clear explanations and real life stories emphasise the importance of the Rule of Law for our pupils. This value is discretely taught through our Curriculum Themes.

Individual Liberty:

We invest a lot of time in creating a positive culture in our school. This creates a safe environment where children can make sensible choices. We offer a range of clubs which pupils have the freedom to choose from, based on their interests. Through our E-Safety, RE and PSHE sessions, we educate children on their rights and personal freedoms as well as supporting them in recognising how to exercise these freedoms safely.

Mutual Respect:

Mutual respect is at the core of our school life. Understanding and appreciation of the range of different cultures within school and further afield as an essential element of their preparation for life in modern Britain. We address this value through Guildford's R.E. curriculum.

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Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs:

The Weald C of E Primary School promotes tolerance of all people. Within RE and assemblies we share a respect and celebrate many religions and cultures. Through our RE curriculum all major religions are studied and respected. We strongly believe that tolerance is gained through knowledge and understanding. Through our curriculum and the routines of our daily school life, we strive to demonstrate tolerance and help children to become knowledgeable and understanding citizens who can build a better Britain for the future. 

How do we prepare children and young people for life in modern Britain?

We believe that good teaching within a broad and balanced curriculum, accompanied by effective spiritual, moral, social and cultural development prepares them well for life in modern Britain and contemporary society.