Promoting British Values

St. Andrew’s Primary School actively promotes the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

These values are exemplified in our curriculum, through collective worship and through our core values which determine how we lead our lives in school and how we prepare children for their role in society.

The Government set out its definition of British Values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy and these values have been reiterated in 2014. At St. Andrew’s Primary School these values are reinforced in the following ways. 

Democracy

Children have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. We have a school council which is made up of democratically elected members from each class who meet regularly to discuss issues raised in class meetings.

The Rule of Law  

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class/school or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout the school day, as well as when dealing with behaviour and also through school assemblies.

Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves, and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from the local Police and Fire Service help to reinforce this message.

Individual Liberty

Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make choices safely, through provision of a safe environment and empowering education.

Pupils are encouraged to voice their opinions through debate, but they are also able to reflect on their learning and the teaching in their classes during one-to-one and small group pupil conferencing sessions with the Leadership Team. Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons.

Training by CEOPS in internet safety is a key aspect of this. As the children move through the school, they are given more responsibilities and freedoms e.g. Buddies work at lunch times to support the running and organisation of the activities on offer. Every child in years 1 – 6 is offered the opportunity to apply to be a ‘school leader’ in a variety of different fields.

Whether it is through making good choices in responding to learning challenges or in participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, our children are given the freedom to make choices. 

Mutual Respect

Mutual respect is at the heart of our 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. Pupils are aware that there is no distinction in the level of respect that they should show to different people.

Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs

St. Andrew’s Primary School is situated in an area which is culturally diverse; therefore we place a great emphasis on recognising and celebrating this diversity with the children. We continuously encourage children, families, staff members and people from the wider community to share their knowledge of different faiths and religions with us, to enhance learning both in assemblies and in class. Assemblies will also include stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures. Our RE and PSHE teaching also reinforce this.