Promoting British Values
As part of our Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) development, we actively promote the fundamental British values of:
- Democracy,
- The rule of law,
- Individual liberty,
- Mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.
Pupils are encouraged to regard people of all faiths, races and cultures with respect and tolerance. It is expected that pupils should understand that while different people may hold different views about what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, all people living in England are subject to its law. Our school’s ethos and teaching supports the rule of English civil and criminal law. Pupils are made aware of the difference between the law of the land and religious law.
The British values are taught explicitly as part of our collective worship and PSHE lessons which follow the SCARF scheme of work. Links are also made in other subjects. The British values are modelled daily in our school ethos, rules and the way in which we treat each other.
At St. James’ Primary School we promote British values by:
Democracy
- Looking at the strengths, advantages and disadvantages of democracy, and how democracy and the law works in Britain, in contrast to other forms of government in other countries.
- Ensuring all pupils within the school have a voice that is listened to. We demonstrate how democracy works by actively promoting democratic processes such as our school council whose members are voted for by their class on an annual basis. The school council meets regularly with staff and governors to express the views of the children.
- Using opportunities such as general or local elections to hold mock elections.
- Providing pupils with the opportunity to learn how to discuss and defend points of view.
The Rule of Law
Having our own school rules that were written by the children and that are followed throughout the school. The children decided that the values and expectations in the rules are appropriate for any age of child or adult, inside or outside our school.
Individual Liberty
- Encouraging our children to make their own individual choices.
- Helping our children to identify between right and wrong choices.
- Equipping children to take risks in a safe and supportive environment by involving them in risk assessments.
Mutual Respect and Tolerance of those with Different Faiths and Beliefs
- Welcoming and celebrating different faiths and cultures and therefore actively promoting and highlighting diversity.
- Supporting local and international charities, most often with the children suggesting a charity and organising the fundraising activities.
Promoting British values means challenging opinions or behaviours in school that are contrary to British values and building pupils’ resilience to radicalisation. Staff and governors have undertaken training to identify children at risk of being drawn into terrorism and to challenge extremist ideas. The Designated Safeguarding Lead (head teacher) has undertaken The Home Office Workshop to Raise Awareness of Prevent (WRAP). In addition members of staff and governors have undertaken the Channel General Awareness Training.
