British Values
Promoting British Values at Whitefriars Church of England Primary Academy
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 the importance of these values were reiterated by the Prime Minister in 2014. The values are divided into five parts:
- Democracy
- The Rule of Law
- Individual Liberty
- Mutual Respect
- Tolerance of those of different Faiths and Beliefs
At Whitefriars, we ensure that the fundamental British Values are embedded in our school ethos and that all areas of the curriculum support further understanding of these concepts; especially in our RE and PSHE/PATHS lessons which provide opportunities to embrace these concepts and for the children to demonstrate a good understanding of their application to their own lives.
At Whitefriars, we make considerable efforts to ensure children have exposure to a wide experience beyond their local community in which these concepts are shown such as residential visits, sporting events and through visiting speakers of all faiths and groups.
Democracy
Democracy at Whitefriars is promoted through the election of the School Council, House Captains, and Pupil Questionnaires.
Whitefriars also encourages visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service.
The behaviour policy is built around the need for all members of the school community to show respect to each other; we use restorative principles in the way adults and children interact with each other.
The Rule of Law
The children at Whitefriars are taught, from an early age, the value and reasons behind rules and laws, that they govern and protect us, as well as the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken.
The children are familiar with this concept through establishing an agreed set of class rules, through different aspects of the curriculum, such as PATHS and the Good to be Green behaviour policy.
Individual Liberty
‘Rights’ are things that every child has or should be able to do.
At Whitefriars the children are taught about their rights and personal freedoms and the responsibilities that come with choice.
The children at Whitefriars are encouraged to have and express their own opinions through vehicles such as the School Council, Pupil Questionnaires, the curriculum (especially PSHE) and e-safety.
Beyond the curriculum, whether it is through choice of challenge, how work is recorded, in topic launch where they decide on the enquiry questions for their topic or participation in the numerous clubs and opportunities offered at the school. Pupils are given the freedom to make choices throughout their time at the Whitefriars.
Mutual Respect
Respect is at the heart of the school ethos and children learn about this core value across the whole school curriculum and beyond. It is embedded in policy.
The PATHs Golden rule:
‘Treat others as you would like to be treated’
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Whitefriars is a diverse school. We actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures. Religious Education lessons, PSHE lessons and school assemblies reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others.
Our multicultural days illustrate our commitment to exploring our diverse community. While visitors from different faiths, religions and communities, are encouraged to share their knowledge.
Whitefriars Church of England Primary Academy is a caring community whose Christian values are built on mutual respect for all. We therefore take our responsibility to prepare children for life in modern Britain very seriously.
Click here to see how British Values is taught through our PATHS curriculum