Rationale:
At Willington Primary School, our aim is to prepare our pupils for life in modern Britain by teaching them British values which equip them to be responsible, respectful and active citizens who contribute positively to society.
The Department of Education states 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 Key Values are:
- Democracy
- Rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Mutual respect
Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
In Willington Primary School, each term begins with ‘Personal Development’, including British Values, which enables children to learn about matters which will be important as they grow into adults. In addition to this, all curriculum areas provide a vehicle to further understand British Values and, in particular, R.E and PSHE provide opportunities to deepen and develop understanding.
British Values in Practice
Democracy:
Democracy is prevalent throughout the school. Each year, each class has the opportunity to vote for one representative on the School Council. As children progress through school, this process becomes like a real election with candidates preparing their own manifestoes to secure election. This helps pupils to see how politics works in action. Children progressively learn about our political and legal system and compare and contrast it to other systems around the world. Children also learn how they can influence politics as children and as they become adults. Links are made with the Royal Family and the role they play in our democracy and children learn about the impact of other monarchs.
Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council and regular Pupil Voice surveys. They are encouraged to debate topics of interest and to express their views.
The Rule of Law:
At Willington Primary School, an important part of our work is to create productive members of a future society. To this end, it is really important that children learn about how society operates and the importance of being able to live in a way that does not negatively affect others. Pupils develop their understanding of what is right and what is wrong. Each year, they
are involved in developing their own class rules and are reminded of what they can expect of or from the School and what the School expects of them in order to maximise their learning. Through their daily School life and explicitly in PHSE lessons, they develop their understanding of actions, responsibilities and consequences. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message.
Pupils are taught the value of and reasons behind laws; that they govern and protect us; the responsibilities that this involves; and the consequences when laws are broken. Children learn progressively about how the law works and how laws are created and also what happens when they are no longer required. During our Personal Development lessons, we have a major focus on citizenship, school rules and behaviour management. Children learn about parts that we play in society and how our actions affect those around them.
Individual Liberty:
As a school we provide boundaries for pupils and educate them to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and empowering education. During our Personal Development lessons each term, all aspects of British Values are taught and reinforced. All children participate in PSHE lessons to understand equality and human rights, respect and dignity, rights, choices, consent and individuality as well as having values and principles. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advise how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons and assemblies. Whether it is through choices of challenge, of how they record their learning, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
Mutual Respect:
Children learn that their behaviour has an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of our school community treat each other with respect. Pupils learn how and why they need to show respect for others’ beliefs, cultures and wellbeing through the curriculum including PSHE. Pupils show respect and consideration towards others, through their words and actions. They also learn to show respect for their environment, property and resources. Pupils are aware of dangerous behaviour and act appropriately to ensure the well-being of everyone.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:
Willington is situated in an area which is not greatly culturally diverse. Therefore, we place a great emphasis on promoting diversity with the children. Assemblies are regularly planned to promote this British value through the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures. We enhance pupils’ understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and give them opportunities through the curriculum to experience such diversity. The children learn that they are part of the community of their family, the school family, the local and wider communities. The RE curriculum teaches the children about other world faiths and assemblies celebrate festivals from other faiths. We invite visitors from our community to share their knowledge and to enhance learning both within classes and for the whole school or we visit local places of worship. Assemblies and discussions involving tackling prejudices have been followed and supported by learning in PSHE.
To celebrate being British we:
- Study key historical figures and events in British history through our Curriculum
- Learn about our Patron Saints and various myths and legends from Britain
- Dance and listen to music from the different regions of Britain
- Learn key geographical facts about Britain
- Study our native wildlife both within our grounds and beyond
- Support national events such as the Olympics and the World Cup
Impact:
- Children will become responsible, respectful, active citizens of Britain who contribute positively to society.
- Children will achieve academic success and be of good character, celebrating what we have in common and promoting respect for the different protected characteristics as defined by law.
- Children will leave school with an understanding and respect for democracy, the rule of law and individual liberty.
- Children will continue their education journey showing their mutual respect and tolerance to all creeds and faiths.
