“We must know that we have been created for greater things, not just to be a number in the world, not just to go for diplomas and degrees, this work and that work. We have been created in order to love and to be loved.”
~ Mother Theresa
The DfE introduced Fundamental British Values “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, mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.”
The government set out its definition of British Values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy. At Lilleshall Primary School, these values are part of our whole school vision and ethos. The British Values are visited throughout the school year, beginning with an introductory assembly from the Headteacher. This half-term, our whole school focus is mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.
The British values are as follows:
Democracy
Democracy is central to the life within the school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council, The ECO Committee and Pupil questionnaires and interviews. Governors participate in pupil voice activities which are fed in to the schools development plans. The elections of Junior Leadership Team, Sports Ambassadors and committee members are based solely on pupil votes. The curriculum promotes opportunities for learning about democracy in a number of different contexts. Our school behaviour policy involves rewards and consequences which the pupils have established. Pupils are encouraged to approach the headteacher to share their views and opinions and this has led to changes within the school.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern us, the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days as well as when addressing behaviour and through 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. They are actively involved in defining rules for the classroom and other aspects of school life. Visits from authorities such as the Police, Fire Service etc are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message. During sporting activities and opportunities to work together, the importance of rules and laws is reinforced to enable them to work together effectively and safely. News articles and events in the news are shared and discussed with pupils in classes and through displays.
Individual Liberty
Within 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 young pupils to make choices safely through the provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and to do this safely, for example through our E-Safety, RSE and PSHE lessons. Whether it be through choice of challenge or participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices. They are also encouraged to reflect on their choices and consider the impact they have on others.
Mutual Respect
Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy has revolved around core values such as respect and pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown. The school PSHE programme specifically teaches children how to treat others with respect in a range of different situations and this is actively encouraged and promoted in all aspects of school life.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
This is achieved through enhancing pupils’ understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Children have the opportunity to visit multicultural places of worship. Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying take place as part of the RE and PSHE curriculum and as part of everyday experiences. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. Our curriculum ensures that a wide range of different faiths and beliefs are taught over time.
The children also study British Values as part of the school’s Personal, Social, and Health Education (PSHE) programme, Jigsaw. Through this programme, they explore themes such as democracy, respect, and individual liberty in a structured and engaging way.
