Sundridge Primary School

TEACHING BRITISH VALUES

 Promoting British Values at Sundridge Primary School

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 values have been reiterated this year (2014). At Sundridge Primary School these values are reinforced regularly throughout the curriculum and in the following ways:

Democracy

Each year the children decide upon their class rules/charter and the rights associated with these. All the children contribute to the drawing up of the rules/charter. We have a variety of student councils which meets regularly to discuss issues raised in class council meetings (School Council, E-Safety Council). These councils are genuinely able to effect change within the school. Every child on the various councils is voted in by their class. Children have the opportunity on a regular basis to discuss their views such as through pupil conferencing, children’s views sheets and parent consultations.

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 Sundridge. Pupils are taught from an early age the rules of the school. There are our School Rules, Class Rules, Playground Rules and E-Safety Rules. 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 are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help reinforce this message.

Individual Liberty

At Sundridge Primary, all 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 are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our Religious Education, E-Safety and PSHE lessons.

Mutual Respect

Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and on those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

Sundridge Primary is a diverse school. We actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures. Religious Education lessons and PSHE lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others. Our rich curriculum and inclusive ethos illustrate our commitment to exploring our diverse school community. Members of different faiths and religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.