British Values

Promoting British Values

The development of pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development (SMSC) and promotion of British Values is part of the core function of schools, longside academic achievement. This contributes to preparing pupils for later life so they can become well-rounded adults, who are able to contribute positively to the British Society and the world they live in.

We aim to encourage and develop individuals who are confident, respectful and tolerant; who are able to make individual choices and act responsibly; who look outwards towards the wider society and the world in which they live.

The following have been categorised by the Department of Education as the broad values attributed to being British:

Democracy
The rule of law
Individual liberty
Mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

How do we promote British Values at North Park Primary?

At North Park Primary School we aim to reflect British Values in all that we do.

British values are promoted, for all children, through:

the policies and practices in school, with particular links to the Equality Act
the curriculum we offer and the activities that form part of this
the way we manage behaviour and learning
the wide range of additional opportunities and enrichment we offer the children during their time at school

Democracy

Pupils should understand:

how citizens can influence decision making through democratic processes.
that there is a separation of power between the executive and the judiciary, and that while some public bodies such as the police and the army can be held to account through Parliament, others such as the courts maintain independence
why democracy is perceived within England as the fairest form of political organisation;
why, taking part in democracy is a good thing
why law making on the basis of representation in Parliament is seen as better than alternatives.

We promote Democracy throughout the school:

When appropriate to age children will have the opportunity to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of democracy, and how democracy and the law works in Britain; through pupil voice at North Park and our Eco Warriors, Sports Council and School council, democracy is explored in depth and put into practise.
Children have the opportunity to work in groups, participate in activities and express opinions and ideas, respectfully listening and agreeing/disagreeing; they regularly take part in discussion and make choices, from the earliest ages.
We ensure pupils have a voice and an opportunity to vote. The election of student council representatives takes place using pupil votes.
Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our very active School Council and through regular pupil questionnaires, discussion with teachers and to senior leaders about aspects of their learning and life in school.
We hold mock elections; children have opportunities to argue and debate, then make choices through voting

The Rule of Law

Pupils should have:

an appreciation that living under the rule of law protects individual citizens and is essential for their wellbeing and safety
an understanding that the freedom to hold other faiths and beliefs is protected in law;

We promote an understanding of the rule of law though our school ethos and culture.

As age appropriate pupils learn about parliament, role of MPs and councillors
Find out about laws and how they have changed, e.g. Y6 learn about the Suffragettes in Y6 and find out about law related to equalities
Learn about the importance of school rules and the difference between these and laws; in PSHCE rules and laws are explored in
depth.
Explore difference between right and wrong, fair and unfair; understand how laws protect the vulnerable and promote right and fair activity and behaviour
Explore differences in laws in different countries
Find out about how state and religious laws can differ, as appropriate
Engage with local community police service

Individual Liberty

Pupils should develop:

an understanding of what is meant by liberty, freedom and human rights, what that might mean for individuals, groups and societies
knowledge and understanding of the history behind current liberty and freedoms, including specific campaigners for freedom
an understanding that the freedom to hold other faiths and beliefs is protected in law

Individual liberty is promoted through the school’s ethos and culture:

Children learn about this through PSHCE lessons.
Children are encouraged to formulate and express opinions on a wide range of issues, with reference to individual freedom, including challenging prejudice and homophobia. Issues about relationships and friendship are regularly explored.
Children will learn about campaigns and campaigners
Children will explore equality and how this is reflected in law

Mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

Pupils should demonstrate:

an acceptance that people having different faiths or beliefs to oneself (or having none) should be accepted and tolerated, and should not be the cause of prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour
an understanding of the importance of identifying and combating discrimination.

This aspect of British values is underpinned by the Equality Act and the Equality Policy in school; this underpins all policies and practices in schools.

Learn to respect each other, share opinions and celebrate differences in school
In RE school uses a range of activities to promote understanding of a wide understanding of faiths and beliefs, recognising similarities and differences
Visits and visitors from a wide range of cultural and spiritual communities and backgrounds. Offering diversity in beliefs and practices as a first-hand
experience;
Develop a wider understanding of different cultures
Hold events linked to equality and diversity, celebrating differences and equality; link to national and international days to promote respect, peace, understanding, e.g. Remembrance Day, Kindness Week, International day of Peace
Link to work across all areas of the curriculum exploring respect and acceptance
Use collective worship to reflect on a range of faiths and beliefs