British Values

Promoting Fundamental British Values Statement

In accordance with The Department for Education we aim to actively promote British values in our school to ensure young people leave school prepared for life in modern Britain. Pupils are encouraged to regard people of all faiths, races and cultures with respect and tolerance and understand that while different people may hold different views about what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, all people living in England are subject to its law.

The Key Values are: 

• democracy
• rule of law
• individual liberty
• mutual respect
• tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
   

At Alderley Edge Community Primary we are actively promoting British values through...

• Focusing on and showing how the school’s work is effective in securing these values
• Proactively taking opportunities to celebrate being British including events linked to Remembrance, the monarchy, significant national achievements,
• Christian festivals
• Challenging pupils, staff or parents who express opinions contrary to British values

Democracy

• Provide pupils with a broad general knowledge of, and promote respect for, public institutions and services
• Teach pupils how they can influence decision-making through the democratic process
• Encourage pupils to become involved in decision-making processes and ensure they are listened to in school. Each class has a class council which informs school council meetings and worry boxes for children to raise concerns in a respectful manner
• Help pupils to express their views
• Model how perceived injustice can be peacefully challenged
• Democracy is shown through history topics such as the Vikings and Saxons
• Philosophy for Children and discussion groups 

Rule of law

• Ensure school rules and expectations are clear and fair
• School rules are displayed in each classroom and on the playground
• Help pupils to distinguish right from wrong through explaining the impact of inappropriate behaviour
• Help pupils to respect the law and the basis on which it is made
• Help pupils to understand that living under the rule of law protects individuals
• Include visits from the police across the year
• Teach pupils aspects of both about the law and discuss how this might differ from some religious laws (Year 6 – Crime and Punishment topic)

Individual liberty

• Support pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence
• Encourage pupils to take responsibility for their behaviour, as well as knowing their rights
• Teach children that they have responsibilities as well as rights
• Model freedom of speech through listening to the child and allowing them to express their views, while ensuring protection of vulnerable pupils and promoting critical analysis of evidence
• Challenge stereotypes and implement a robust anti-bullying culture
• E-Safety is taught through the school curriculum and highlighted on e-Safety day. Chidlren are taught how to express themselves respectfully with an awareness of the dangers that can be found online

Respect and tolerance

• Promote respect for individual differences
• Help pupils to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life
• Challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour
• Organise visits to places of worship
• Leaders of different faith communities lead school assemblies
• Learn about and celebrate different faith group’s festivals
• Studying The Arts (art, music, drama, dance and literature) using different cultures as stimuli
• Develop links with faith and other communities through RE and working alongside children and their families
• Teach children to respect each other, adults and their environment
• Learning to disagree in a respectful way – Philosophy for Children
• Develop critical personal thinking skills