British Values
In guidance published by the Department for Education in 2014 schools in England should 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.
At Guilden Sutton Church of England Primary School, our Christian Values mirror the British Values: Compassion, Justice and Wisdom.
Democracy
Democracy is an integral part of our school. Children have many opportunities to have their voices heard. Staff members carry out pupil voice throughout the year to gather opinions and enable children to have their voice heard. Children participate actively in school life through roles such as School Councillors, Ethos Ambassadors, Eco-Committee and Playground leaders. Children are voted in to roles by their class.
School Councillors reviewed the school rules (rewards and reminders) and made changes as they saw fit. They have also taken a lead role in reviewing things such as hot dinner choices, playground equipment and areas to improve within the school (mindfulness areas).
The Rule of Law
Laws and the reasons behind them are regularly discussed at Guilden Sutton Church of England Primary School. We liaise closely with our local P.C.S.O who comes into school every term to carry out assemblies or speak to individual classes. During P.S.H.E lessons, discussions take place that ensure that all pupils have an understanding of the value and reasons behind laws. Our school rules and class charters are regularly referred to and children understand that rules are in place to keep you safe.
Individual Liberty
Children at Guilden Sutton have lots of opportunities to make choices whilst knowing that they are in a safe and supported environment. They have the confidence to share their thoughts and ideas and challenge others too. Real life situations are used to explore the consequences of words and actions. Through the curriculum in lessons such as P.S.H.E and Computing, children are encouraged to know their rights and personal freedoms. Children are encouraged to take on areas of responsibility and children regularly choose to carry out fundraising activities to support causes close to their hearts. At Guilden Sutton, we do the right thing because it is the right thing to do. Children regularly nominate each other to receive a ‘peace baby’ when they are spotted doing something particularly caring, helpful or peace-making just because they know this is the right thing to do.
Star of the day/celebration assembly/celebrating children’s achievements in the newsletter
Mutual Respect and Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs
Diversity is investigated through a carefully planned curriculum which celebrates difference, be it background, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, identity, learning difficulty, nationality, religion, or sexual orientation. We acknowledge and respect that each family is different and that we are all created in the image of God. Families from different backgrounds are regularly invited into school to share their culture and their beliefs. Children understand the similarities and differences between themselves and others.
A rich literacy base, including specially selected reading materials, provides opportunities to understand, respect and celebrate difference and diversity so that the children know that families come in lots of different shapes and sizes.
Our school vision encourages children to ‘act justly, love mercy and walk humbly’.
British Values are also promoted by:
- Enterprise opportunities for Year 6.
- Year 5 carrying out the Young Leaders Award.
- Fundraising for and supporting charities e.g. Hospice of the Good Shepherd, Macmillan Cancer Support and Children in Distress.
- Learning about the United Kingdom
The School Council took part in a zoom meeting led by Picture News all about British Values in schools. They would like to share this helpful poster with you:
