At St Mary & St Paul’s CE Primary School – and in line with the individual pupils’ capacity to understand the concepts and ideas – we aim to promote principles that:
Enable pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence;
Enable pupils to distinguish right from wrong and to respect the civil and criminal law of England;
Encourage pupils to accept responsibility for their behaviour, show initiative and understand how they can contribute positively to the lives of those living and working in the locality in which the school is situated, and to society more widely;
Enable pupils to acquire a broad general knowledge of and respect for public institutions and services in England;
Further tolerance and harmony between different cultural traditions by enabling pupils to acquire an appreciation of and respect for their own cultures;
Encourage respect for other people, paying particular regard to the protected characteristics set out in the Equality Act 2010;
Encourage respect for democracy and support for participation in the democratic process, including respect for the basis on which the law is made and applied in England.
Specifically, we aim to develop understanding of:
Democracy
Provide pupils with a broad general knowledge of, and promote respect for, public institutions and services;
Teach pupils how they can influence decision-making through the democratic process;
Include in the curriculum information on the advantages and disadvantages of democracy and how it works in Britain;
Encourage pupils to become involved in decision-making processes and ensure they are listened to in school;
Hold ‘mock elections’ so pupils learn how to argue and defend points of view;
Help pupils to express their views;
Teach pupils how public services operate and how they are held to account;
Model how perceived injustice can be peacefully challenged.
Rule of Law
Ensure school rules and expectations are clear and fair;
Help pupils to distinguish right from wrong;
Help pupils to respect the law and the basis on which it is made;
Help pupils to understand that living under the rule of law protects individuals;
Include visits from the police in the curriculum;
Teach pupils aspects of both civil and criminal law and discuss how this might differ from some religious laws;
Develop restorative justice approaches to resolve conflicts.
Individual Liberty
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 and promoting critical analysis of evidence;
Challenge stereotypes;
Implement a strong anti-bullying culture.
Respect and tolerance
Promote respect for individual differences;
Help pupils to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life;
Challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour;
Organise visits to places of worship;
Develop links with faith communities;
Develop critical personal thinking skills;
Discuss differences between people, such as differences of faith, ethnicity, disability, gender or sexuality and differences of family situations, such as looked-after children or young carers.
Teaching and Learning
Every school is expected to ensure that its curriculum (PSHE and the wider curriculum) enables the pupils to explore what it means to be British. Within this, schools are encouraged to develop the pupils’ ability to:
describe their own identities and the groups that they feel they belong to;
recognise different identities and experiences;
appreciate that identity consists of many factors;
recognise that each person’s identity is unique and can change;
begin to understand the idea of stereotypes.
How will we actively promote British Values at St Mary & St Paul’s CE Primary?
At St Mary & St Paul’s CE Primary, we promote British values through:
Promoting high quality texts that illustrate the diversity of British culture , celebrating difference, developing mutual respect and tolerance and broadening our children’s horizons through stories.
An annual plan for whole school assemblies / worship that covers British Values alongside our school Christian values.
An RE scheme that explores different world faiths: identifying with and developing appreciation for different beliefs.
A new curriculum where links and opportunities are made to reflect on equity , diversity and justice together with British Values and develop understanding within a context.
A robust PE curriculum which strengthens British Values,
An active, elected School Council that meets regularly to discuss issues important to our school community. School Councillors can take responsibility for disseminating British Values to their peers. They are involved in decision-making processes and contribute ideas.
A series of committees (School Council, Eco and Worship) which is based on a democratic system, where children must apply for a post. Pupil elections may take place for some leaders.
A strong Behaviour Policy which is consistent across the school, carrying a strong anti-bullying message. Each class is asked to decide on their own system of class rules and children are encouraged to take responsibility for their own behaviour.
A anti -bullying week where all children are asked to respond and sign up to a school charter.
Learning mentor who develop a restorative justice approach when resolving conflicts.
Family Support Worker who enables families to flourish and are supported with a wide range of needs
A ‘Safer Internet’ message which will help us to be more vigilant in preventing pupils from extremist views.
Promoting independent choice in lessons.
Valuing freedom of speech and the opportunity to debate moral issues.
Planning visits from outside agencies who promote British Values.
