Promoting British Values at Carterton Primary School

The DfE has 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.  At Carterton Primary School we understand that the society we live in is diverse and our curriculum and life within school reflects this.  For our pupils, we aim to continually weave the thread of social, cultural, moral and spiritual British Values.  Underpinning this are the values of democracy, law, liberty, respect, tolerance, tradition and heritage.  The ‘Equality Act 2010’ protects all individuals from discrimination and it is the schools duty to ensure that all individuals have equal access and opportunity to all that is on offer.  Funding, including that for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and disadvantaged pupils, is used to target inequalities and to ensure equality for all.  At Carterton Primary School British Values are reinforced regularly in the following ways:

Democracy

Our PSHE curriculum encourages all aspects of respect for democracy and the democratic process.  Pupils have class responsibilities and all children have an opportunity to put forward their views about their school.

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws, whether they are those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced.  Children are aware of the consequences of not following rules and learn to understand the difference between right and wrong in all aspects of school life throughout the day.  There is an opportunity for children to put right what has been done wrong, wherever possible.  Children are given opportunities to understand aspects of civil and criminal law and discuss how this might be different from some religious laws. Pupils in our school expect and receive a fair system where actions are always respectfully justified.  Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws; that they exist to govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken.  

Individual Liberty

At Carterton Primary School our pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment.  Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, eg through e-Safety and PSHE lessons.  Pupils are encouraged to give their opinions and share ideas with due regard for the feelings of others.  As part of our PSHE curriculum we place an emphasis on social and emotional learning, preparing children for the transition to secondary school.  We celebrate achievements both in and out of school in assemblies and award Values Certificates to nominated children each week.

Mutual Respect

Respect is also one of our three School Values.  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 with Different Faiths and Beliefs

We actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures.  Religious Education and PSHE lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others.  Members of different faiths and religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.  Throughout school life, children are encouraged to discuss differences between people, ie faith, ethnicity, disability etc.

British Traditions and Heritage

We celebrate the role of Britain both historically and in the present.  We want pupils to have knowledge of and to be proud of their British heritage and the cultural and historical traditions that we are renowned for the world over.  We celebrate and observe Royal events, Remembrance Day, festivals such as Harvest, Christmas, Easter, alongside those from other cultures such as Eid, Diwali and Chinese New Year, for example.   We aim to build a culture that will stand the test of time, where our pupils can become good, effective citizens and respect everyone, regardless of any differences.