Promoting British Values

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.”

Schools, through their curriculum, are legally bound to actively promote fundamental British values.

 

How does Ripple Primary School ‘actively promote…’ British values:

• We focus on and show, through promoting the core values of the school, how the school’s work is effective in promoting and securing British values.
• We challenge pupils, staff or parents who express opinions contrary to the core values of the school.

 

Democracy – what do we do?

• We provide pupils with a broad general knowledge of, and promote respect for, English law, public institutions and services through our PHSE curriculum.
• Through the work of the School Council we empower pupils to become involved in decision making processes and ensure they are listened to in school. School Councillors are elected solely on pupil votes and this teaches pupils how they can influence decision-making through a democratic process.
• We model how perceived injustice can be peacefully challenged through our Pupil Welfare and Behaviour Support policy.

 

Rule of law – what do we do?

• We provide pupils with a broad general knowledge of, and promote respect for, English law through our PHSE curriculum and link this to their every day lives through the consistent reinforcement of our own school rules, values and expectations.
• Ensure school rules and expectations are fair and are consistently explained and reinforced to all pupils so that they understand the basis on which the rules are made.
• Help pupils to understand that rules and laws provide safety, stability and security and protect individuals and groups within our society.

 

Individual liberty – what do we do?

• Support pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence.
• Encourage pupils to take responsibility for their behaviour, as well as knowing their rights.
• Model freedom of speech through pupil participation, while ensuring protection of vulnerable pupils.
• Challenge stereotypes.
• Implement a strong anti-bullying culture.

 

Respect and tolerance – what do we do?

• We celebrate our achievements, differences and cultural diversity through all school forums including in assemblies.
• As part of our RE curriculum we organise visits to places of worship and visits to our school by local faith and community leaders.
• There are opportunities for discussions on prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE. This includes helping pupils to value and respect their own and other’s cultures and ways of life through developing their understanding of our multicultural community.
• We support pupil’s understanding of the differences between people, such as differences of faith, ethnicity, disability, gender or sexuality and different family situations.
• We encourage our pupil’s to challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour.