British Values
Promoting British Values
The Department for Education introduced a statutory duty for schools to promote British Values more actively from September 2014, and to ensure they are taught in schools.
Bluebell Meadow Primary School is committed to serving its community. It recognises the multi-cultural, multi faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom. It also understands the vital role it has in ensuring that groups or individuals within the school are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.
It follows equal opportunities guidance which guarantees that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or similar.
Our School is dedicated to preparing pupils for their adult life beyond the formal examined curriculum and ensuring that it promotes and reinforces British values to all its students.
The Government emphasises that schools are required to ensure that key ‘British Values’ are taught in all UK schools. The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy.
The five British Values are:
- Democracy
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Mutual respect
- Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
The school uses strategies within the National curriculum and beyond to secure such outcomes for students. The examples that follow show some of the many ways school seeks to embed British values.
Democracy
The principle of democracy is consistently being reinforced at Bluebell Meadow Primary School, with democracy processes being used for important decisions within the school community, for instance, elections being held for House Captain positions.
The principle of democracy is also explored in the History and Religious Studies curriculum as well as in lesson time and assemblies.
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The children see democracy borne out in a whole variety of ways and see this as being an essential component of successful team working |
The establishment of the House Team Captains is through a democratic vote.
Partner and group work within class. Work of the SNAG group and School Council. Learning Walks for behaviour and behaviour for learning School Values. |
Children are able to work cooperatively in pairs and groups as well as in whole class situations. They understand about turn taking and respecting the views of others.
Children in school and in KS2 particular are able to use the language of respect |
The rule of law
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at our school.
Pupils are taught the rules and expectations of the school which are highlighted by the school rules. Pupils are taught the value and the reasons behind laws that govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service reinforce this message.
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The children at Bluebell Meadow Primary School are familiar with this concept through the philosophy that infuses the entire work of the school. They are familiar with the concept through the discussion of values and, in RE lessons, the idea that different religions have guiding principles
Children are used to debating and discussing laws/rules and their application. Children are familiar with the local Police who visit to talk to them informally. |
Class Rules School Rules
School Values Collective Worship Learning Walks for behaviour and behaviour for learning Children are encouraged to provide their views on how behaviour is managed within school |
Children are able to articulate how and why we need to behave in school and demonstrate they understand and can abide by these
Children all know that they have a right but that with a right comes a responsibility They are able to discuss and debate philosophical issues in relation to these |
Individual liberty
At Bluebell Meadow Primary School, pupils are actively encouraged to make independent choices, with the knowledge that they are in a safe, secure and supportive environment.
Staff at school educate and provide boundaries for pupils to make informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education.
Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised on how to exercise these safely, for example through e-safety and independent work.
Bluebell Meadow Primary School has a robust anti-bullying policy and has in place a comprehensive Behaviour and Discipline Policy.
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Our Values based discussions and acts of worship begin with discussion about the self, e.g. self–respect and self-worth in relation to the individual value so that children see that they are important in their own right. The philosophy of our teaching and learning places emphasis on the right to have our own thoughts and evidence based views
Children are strongly encouraged to develop independence in learning and to think for themselves |
Children are able to show independence in learning and to think for themselves
Children understand that they are part of wider communities |
Children understand about the importance of accepting responsibility and of their right to be heard in school
They are consulted on many aspects of school life and demonstrate independence of thought and action |
Mutual Respect
Respect is a strong part of Bluebell Meadow Primary School and being respectful is one of our Golden Rules.
Pupils 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 and this is reiterated through its teaching and learning environments. The school is currently
Mutual respect is embraced throughout the curriculum by providing the opportunity for students to express their views in a safe environment.
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Respect is a fundamental school value, around which pivots much of the work of the school. We pay explicit attention to this as part of our RE curriculum and Rights Respecting work
Respect is a school value that is discussed deeply, starting with self-respect and covering respect for family, friends, and other groups; the world and its people; and the environment |
School Rules
Rights Respecting School standard work Enrichment visits |
Children can articulate that respect is a school value and why respect is important; how they show respect to others and how they feel about it for themselves
Children’s behaviour demonstrates their good understanding of this value in action Children are able to talk about the different faiths and cultures they learn about, ask questions and show tolerance and respect for others of different faiths and religions |
Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
This is achieved though equipping pupils with the ability to understand their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving the opportunities to experience such diversity within the school community.
Children benefit from a number of visits and visitors, including those from other cultures. Additionally, pupils are actively encouraged to share their faith and beliefs within the school and celebrate festivities throughout the calendar year. Bluebell Meadow is a non-denominational school and so does not promote any religion above any other. We are very careful to deliver a broad and balanced Religious Education curriculum (compulsory for all pupils) which teaches the children what beliefs and values are important to world religions. It is the view of Bluebell Meadow Primary School that it is through this understanding and knowledge children will develop tolerance.
Bluebell Meadow Primary School strives endlessly to ensure that its students leave with the strongest foundation of values upon which to build a successful life and a successful contribution to our society.
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Tolerance of others is a fundamental principle of the school. We are a diverse community and we work hard to ensure that we promote tolerate of all regardless of faith or beliefs. |
School Assemblies
RE curriculum School Rules Rights Respecting School standard work |
Children are able to talk about the different faiths and cultures they learn about, ask questions and show tolerance and respect for others of different faiths and religions. |
