Teaching British Values

Promoting British values at St Mark’s 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 by the Prime Minister this year. We reinforce these values in the following ways.

Democracy

Democracy is prevalent within the school. Pupils have the opportunity to take part in the democratic process through voting for their peers to represent classes in our School Parliament, as a Travel Ambassador, or to become a School Captain. Through these systems and the completion of pupil questionnaires we encourage pupils to contribute their views about school. Pupils develop their own rules for their class. Debates and voting are strategies of pupil voice that are regularly used across the curriculum.

The Rule of Law

The importance of Laws is reinforced through teaching around the laws that govern the class, the school and the country. Pupils are taught the reasons behind laws, the responsibilities that we have to live within these laws and the consequences if we break the law. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce that laws are in place to protect us and keep us safe. The school operates a whole school code of conduct from which pupils in each class derive a set of classroom rules which are displayed and regularly referred to.

Individual Liberty

Identity is celebrated through our curriculum core values where pupils learn about their rights and responsibilities. They are taught about their rights to be protected from discrimination, to an education and thier freddon to have their own thoughts, opinions and beliefs. Pupils are given clear boundaries in all aspects of school life and are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. Pupils are  and are given advice on how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHCE lessons.

Mutual Respect

Respect is a cornerstone of our school ethos and school code of conduct and evident in all we do. Pupils take part in discussions and assemblies related to how we show and earn respect. Displays around the school promote respect for others and this is reiterated through our classroom and learning rules.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

Our pupils’ develop their understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society through our broad and balanced curriculum. Pupils celebrate the main religious festivals through assemblies and religious education teaching, including visiting  places of worship of the main religions. During lessons, pupils learn about aspects of different faith systems and cultures, tolerance of those with different faiths, beliefs and lifestyles. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. St Mark’s is a safe place where any form of racist or discriminatory language, including homophobic name calling, will be challenged.