British Values

Promoting Fundamental British Values.

In accordance with The Department for Education we aim to actively promote British values in schools to ensure young people leave school prepared for life in modern Britain. Pupils are encouraged to regard people of all faiths, races and cultures with respect and tolerance and understand that while different people may hold different views about what is "right" and "wrong", all people living in England are subject to its law.

The Department for Education requires all schools to promote British Values through school life and through the curriculum. As a church school, our Christian values are the foundations on which our school is built; they are the principles which guide the thinking and behaviour of all involved in the school. The ways in which staff, children and governors articulate and demonstrate these are part of our distinctiveness as a church school. Our understanding and promotion of British Values are informed by our Christian character and values. British Values are taught and promoted implicitly and explicitly; any child, member of staff or parent expressing views contrary to our Christian values or the British Values would be challenged.

Here are some of the ways in which British Values are promoted at Seer Green CE School:

Democracy:

Our Christian values of ‘thoughtfulness’, ‘respect’ and ‘responsibility’ underpin all relationships in the school. We believe that all people are equal and precious in God’s sight, and all have the right to speak and be listened to.

An understanding of democracy is developed through our School council. Following a vote, each class elects a representative. School council meets once a month to bring to the table any issues or ideas from their class. In addition, they are consulted about their ideas for school improvement. Democracy is taught explicitly through the curriculum in subjects such as History and English, and through PSHE discussions and debates.

Rule of law:

In our school, rules enable children to learn well and feel safe: adhering to them is part of our respect and care for each other and link with our Christian values of ‘thoughtfulness’ and ‘respect’.

An understanding of the rule of law is developed through class discussions around the rights and responsibilities of the pupils. This informs relationships and behaviour in school. At the beginning of each year every class reviews the school and playground rules – they then negotiate their class rules for the year and discuss sanctions for breaking these rules.

Visits from the police, the Year 6 Community Card system, as well as class discussions when things go wrong, reinforce the importance of rules and our responsibility as part of school, local and national communities. Upper Key Stage Two children will also debate laws, such as those relating to slavery and gender or race discrimination, as part of their development towards being engaged citizens, working to make the world a fairer place for all.

Individual liberty:

Through our school values of ‘honesty’ and ‘responsibility’, children encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for our pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and an empowering education.

PSHE, e-safety and other personal wellbeing activities such as anti-bullying weeks teach children how to make wise choices and keep themselves safe; and the importance of taking responsibility for their own behaviour. Pupils are encouraged to contribute their opinions in lessons and discussions, and so are taught the value of free speech and thought, and the importance of listening to the views of others.

Mutual Respect and Tolerance of those of different faiths and belief:

With ‘respect’ as one of our core Christian values, we seek to ensure that all members of our school are respected and valued. Collective Worship frequently underlines the importance of the way we behave towards each other, and the model of respect and love for others that we have in Jesus.

Differences and uniqueness are celebrated throughout school life, and pupils are taught to challenge prejudice and any unkind or discriminating behaviour. The RE curriculum enables children to learn about and from different faiths and cultures, and visits to different places of worship enrich learning. Children learn to listen, question and challenge with an attitude of respect throughout their time at this school.