What are British Values?

The DfE have outlined the 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.”

At Borough Green Primary School we take our responsibility to prepare children for life in modern Britain very seriously. We ensure that the fundamental British Values are introduced, discussed and lived out through the ethos and work of the school. All curriculum areas provide a vehicle for furthering understanding of these concepts and, in particular, our RE and discrete PSHE lessons which provide excellent opportunities to deepen and develop understanding. At BGPS our children embrace these concepts with enthusiasm and demonstrate a good understanding of their application to their own lives. The school makes considerable efforts to ensure our children have exposure to a wide experience beyond their local community during which these concepts are shown, through for example, sporting events, a range of visits and external visitors. Their strong rooted values-based understanding gives them an excellent platform for embracing difference.

British Values are embedded in our curriculum which is made up of the core and foundation subjects and is planned around themes and contexts which is inspirational and meaningful to children instilling a sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning about themselves, others and the world around them, encourage use of imagination and creativity in their learning and develop a willingness to reflect on their experiences.

At Borough Green Primary School these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy

Democracy is embedded within the life of the school. Our children have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council, Pupil Voice and the ‘mini election’ of our House Captains. Class rules are agreed with the children as a class at the beginning of the year.

The Rule of Law

The importance of Laws, whether they be school rules or the laws of our country, are consistently reinforced by all during every school day. Children are taught the value and reasons behind laws and rules and with this comes an understanding which is reinforced of the consequences of these rules being broken. Visits from pillars of the community such as the Police; Fire Service, Magistrates, ADAD Drug Awareness etc. help to reinforce this message.

Individual Liberty

Within school, Children 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 the children to make safe choices, through the provision of a safe environment and empowering education.  Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advise how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons. We provide a safe platform from which children can express their views about a range of issues, knowing that these views will be respected and listened to.

Mutual Respect

Part of our school ethos and approach revolves around kindness towards all by developing a range of skills, with a child first pupil second approach. Our school rule of 'Be Respectful' is constantly reinforced so that an ethos of mutual respect between all aspects of the school community resonates throughout and is developed at any given opportunity.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

This is achieved through enhancing children's understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.

An example of one of our British Values Display