British Values
Promotion of British values
At Tatsfield Primary School, we recognise not only the importance of allowing children to flourish academically but also our essential role in preparing them for life beyond education. Part of our role in that preparation is ensuring that we promote and reinforce British values.
The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy in the following way:
- Democracy
- Rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Mutual respect
- Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
At our school these values are reinforced in a pervasive manner and permeate the school curriculum as well as the wider daily experiences of the children.
The examples that follow are an indication of some of the many ways we seek to embed British values at Tatsfield School and should be seen as an indication of our approach rather than an exhaustive list.
Democracy
At Tatsfield School the principle of democracy is consistently reinforced, with the democratic process being employed for important decisions within the school community. For instance, elections are held for our House captains and School Council Representatives. The principle of democracy is explored in History and RE lessons, and often forms the basis of our assemblies.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. Children 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 authorities such as the Police, are regular parts of our calendar and help to reinforce this message with children of all ages.
Individual Liberty
Children are actively encouraged to make independent choices, knowing that they are in a safe, secure and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for children to make choices safely. They are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and receive advice about how to exercise these safely, for example through our exploration of e-safety in Computing or when working as part of a group on a range of problem-solving activities.
Mutual Respect
Respect is at the core of our school ethos and is modelled by staff and children alike. The school promotes respect for others and this is reiterated through our classroom and learning environments. In line with our commitment to democracy, children are able to voice their opinions, and we foster an environment where they feel safe to disagree with each other. Mutual respect is embraced throughout the curriculum children are taught the concept of ‘fair play’ in PE and staff encourage children in the mutual respect between children across different year groups within the school.
Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
We believe that children need to develop the ability to understand their place in a culturally diverse global society. We aim to give them as many opportunities as possible to experience such diversity within the school community. Children and their families are actively encouraged to share their faith and beliefs at Tatsfield School. Our RE curriculum provides a broad and balanced education on a range of faiths, religions and cultures.
Should you feel that the school is not promoting British values in line with this guidance, you should contact the school office and ask to speak with the Headteacher. Likewise, if you feel that anyone working at the school is actively undermining these values, you should report this to the Headteacher immediately.
Evidence and Impact
|
British Value |
Evidence |
Impact |
|---|---|---|
|
Democracy |
School council elections, minutes and records House Captain elections Mock General elections and District Councillor visit School assembly planners Curriculum links RE/PHSE planning, children’s work Learning walks for behaviour and behaviour for learning School values drawn up by the whole school community Displays |
Children understand the principle of democracy its origins, its importance and the right and importance of using their vote. Children are able to work co-operatively in pairs and groups as well as whole class situations in all areas of the curriculum and wider aspects of school life. Children understand about turn taking and respecting the views of others. Children in KS2 in particular are able to use language of respect (I agree with, I don’t agree with). Children gain an understanding of democracy in Britain. |
|
Rule of Law |
Expectations School Rules School values drawn up by the whole school community Class codes drawn up by individual classes Modelled behaviour by staff PHSE lessons on laws and rules School Council minutes and records Visits from Police Assembly planner Learning walks for behaviour and behaviour for learning Displays Behaviour audit Consistent sanction/reward system across Key Stages Attendance awards |
Children are able to articulate why we have rules and laws. They demonstrate how and why we need to behave in school and demonstrate they understand and abide by school rules. The children understand rewards and celebration of achievements and sanctions as a consequence of rule breaking. |
|
Individual Liberty |
Learning walks for behaviour and behaviour for learning School values drawn up by the whole school community Tear drops Displays School Council Meetings School Council class idea books Assemblies |
Children understand about the importance of accepting responsibility and of their right to be heard in school. Children are consulted on many aspects of school life and demonstrate independent thought and action. |
|
Mutual Respect and the Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs |
RE curriculum, planning, work and trips PHSE curriculum, planning and work Assembly planner Learning walks for behaviour and behaviour for learning Displays Links to St Mary’s Church Curriculum links and visits Charity fundraising School values drawn up by the whole school community Modelled by staff |
Children can articulate why respect is important, how they show respect to others and how they feel about it for themselves. Children’s behaviour demonstrates this value in action. They are able to work alongside one another and together as groups. Children are able to talk about different faiths and cultures they learn about. They ask questions and show tolerance and respect for others of different faiths and religions. |