British Values - Promoting British Values at Stratford-sub-Castle CE Primary School
The DfE have 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.”
At Stratford-sub Castle Primary School these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy
Democracy is embedded in Stratford-sub-Castle Primary School. Pupils are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and with concern to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard. Pupils also have the opportunity to air their opinions and ideas through our School Council. The elections of the School Council members are based solely on pupil votes, reflecting our British electoral system and demonstrating democracy in action.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced. Our school rules are based on our Rights and Responsibilities. These were written by some of our pupils and are deeply embedded in our work every day.
Our pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws, 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
Within school, 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 our pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and an empowering education. Our pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely; examples of this can be clearly seen in our online-safety and P.S.H.E. lessons. Whether it is through choice of challenge; of who they play with; of participation in our numerous extra- curricular activities; our pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
Mutual Respect
Our pupils know and understand that it is expected and imperative that respect is shown to everyone, whatever differences we may have and to everything, however big or small. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
At Stratford-sub-Castle Primary School, we promote tolerance of everyone. Within RE and assemblies we share a respect and celebrate many religions and cultures. Through our RE curriculum major religions are studied, alongside Christianity, and respected. 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.