British Values

Introduction

At Pembury Primary School we value each and every member of our school community as individuals and respect their rights and freedom. We believe that these values are the fundamental building blocks for our children to grow and develop as responsible adults and British citizens.

Aim: The school will create an environment and curriculum that fosters responsible citizenship for the future where pupils show mutual respect and tolerance of others, value their own liberty and understand the rules of law and democracy whilst demonstrating care and compassion for all and rewards good behaviour, based on British Values.

The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy. These values are:

Democracy

The rule of law.
Individual liberty
Mutual respect
Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs.

Our curriculum is designed to ensure that our children have the opportunity to learn and reflect on the British values that underpin our lives.

Moral Development

Through our English, Science, History, Geography, Religious Education (RE) and Personal Social Health and Social Education (PSHE) curriculum as well as through our daily act of collective worship, children are presented with moral issues for debate, discussion and reflection. Such issues enable and encourage our children to discuss British values and understand how these are relevant to them.

The children are supported in their moral development by their:

Ability to recognise the difference between right and wrong.
Readily apply this understanding in their own lives.
Respect the civil and criminal law of England.
Understand the consequences of their behaviour and actions.
Investigate and offer reasoned views about moral and ethical issues.
Understand and appreciate the viewpoints of others on these issues.

Social Development

Children have a wide range of opportunities to work collaboratively within class, across year groups, phases and sites. We promote ‘Playground Buddies’, ‘Anti-bullying ambassadors’ and ‘Games Leaders’ who actively support other children throughout the day including break-time and lunchtimes. ‘

Pembury Primary School is at the heart of the local community and we encourage pupils to show care and consideration for others through charitable work and young citizenship. The school council ensure that all children can influence decision making through the democratic processes.

There is a strong emphasis throughout the Personal Health and Relationship areas of study on individual rights and responsibilities including respect and valuing difference in the way people choose to live in modern British Society.

Our children are encouraged to develop socially by:

Using a range social skills in different contexts, including working and socialising with pupils from different religious, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.
Being encouraged to participate in a variety of communities and social settings.
Co-operating well with others and being able to resolve conflicts effectively.
Understanding the importance of identifying and combatting discrimination.

Cultural Development

At Pembury Primary School we value the diverse ethnic background of all pupils and families and undertake a variety of events to celebrate these. We have found this approach to be enriching for all parties as it teaches tolerance and respect for the differences in our community and the wider world.

Through our English, Geography, History, French, Art, Music, Dance, RE and PSHE curriculum and wide programme of educational visits there are a wide range of learning opportunities which have strong links to the United Kingdom, through which we develop our children’s cultural understanding by enabling children to:

Understand and appreciate the wide range of cultural influences that have shaped their own heritage and that of others.
Understand and appreciate the range of different cultures within school and beyond our local community as an essential element of their preparation for life in modern Britain.
To gain knowledge of Britain’s democratic parliamentary system and its central role in shaping our history and values, and in continuing to develop Britain.
Be willing to participate in and respond positively to artistic, sporting and cultural opportunities.
Gain an interest in exploring, improving understanding of and showing respect for different faiths and cultural diversity.
Understand, accept, respect and celebrate diversity, shown by their tolerance and attitudes towards different religions, ethnic and socio-economic groups in the local, national and global communities.

Spiritual Development

Our children are encouraged to reflect on the predominant religious and moral values that underpin our democratic and multi-cultural British society. Through RE Collective Worship, visiting places of worship and celebratory events, our children learn about the similarities and differences of other religions and are encouraged to reflect on their own beliefs whilst tolerating the different viewpoints of others including those who do not have a religious faith.

We aim to develop our children spiritually by supporting them to;

Gain the ability to be reflective about their own beliefs, religious or otherwise, that informs their perspective on their life, show an interest in and respect for different people’s faiths, feelings and values.
Have a sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning differences about themselves, others and the world them.
Use imagination and creativity in their learning.
Be willing to reflect on their own experiences.

Conclusion

At Pembury Primary School we believe that, through promoting British values, our children will become responsible citizens for the future who show mutual respect and tolerance of others, value their own liberty and understand the rules of law and democracy whilst demonstrating care and compassion for all.