The Department for Education state that there is a need “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.”
Children in each school within The Moorlands Primary Federation are encouraged to respect fundamental British values. The teaching within our school does not promote extremist views, or partisan political views and offers pupils a balanced presentation of views when political issues are brought to their attention.
We are very proud to participate in annual celebrations of the Commonwealth alongside neighbouring schools and are involved in processions and a raising of the Commonwealth flag.
Each November, we are honoured to welcome the Royal British Legion into school to talk to the children about their work and the importance of remembrance. Children from our School Council also attend services at the cenotaph and lay a wreath on behalf of our school family.
We aim to prepare children for life in modern Britain and to ensure that our school ethos, curriculum and approaches to teaching and learning reflect and promote British values. We recognise that these values are not exclusive to being British and that they have come to be accepted throughout the democratic world as the method of creating an orderly society in which individual members can feel safe, valued and can contribute to for the good of themselves and others.
We take opportunities to:
- acknowledge, celebrate and commemorate national events and anniversaries related to key events in Britain’s past;
- celebrate international sporting events and discover more about the countries which host them and participate in them;
- support a number of charities that are selected by the children and arrange fundraising events;
- support our local community;
Our school has a role in helping prevent radicalisation and supporting our children in developing a world view, recognising Britain’s place within it.
British Values are reflected in our ethos and are integral to our School Rules, Behaviour Policy and core school values.
Democracy (Using your vote so your voice can be heard.)
Democracy is embedded at our school. Pupils are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and with concern to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard.
The Rule of Law (The law applies to everyone. It is equal and it is fair.)
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. 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. Each class also discusses and sets its own rules that are clearly understood by all and seen to be necessary to ensure that every class member is able to learn in a safe and ordered environment.
Individual Liberty (As long as we do not break the law, we have rights and freedoms.)
Within The Valley Primary 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 our pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and an empowering education. Our pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely. Whether it is through choice of challenge; of how they record; of participation in our numerous extra-curricular activities; our pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
Mutual Respect (Treating others how you would want to be treated, even if they have been unkind to you.)
Respect is evident through our school’s motto of ‘Learn to love, love to learn' – with love comes respect.
Our children understand that it is essential to show respect to one another, whatever differences we may have. Treating one another with respect is an important element of our school family, with children, staff, trustees, parents and local community members all encouraged to show this, together we can provide an excellent example to children.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs (Making a space for other people’s opinions, even if they seem different, odd, wrong or interesting).
Life would be boring if we were all the same. Diversity makes our school, our community, our country and our wider world more interesting.
Our core values of Trust, Mindfulness, Peace and Friendship encourage an ethos of tolerance of those who have different faiths and beliefs. We enhance pupils’ understanding of different faiths and beliefs through Religious Education, ongoing discussions, English and Wider Curriculum lessons and the way in which we act. Through this our pupils gain an enhanced understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society.
At TMPF, we will challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to Fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views. We all have a role to play in our wonderful world.
