British Values @ BCPA

British Values image

What are British Values?

In 2014 the Government published a document that emphasised the importance of teaching fundamental British Values in schools:

Democracy
The Rule of Law
Individual Liberty
Tolerance & Respect

How do we promote 'British Values' at our school?

British Values have always been promoted at our school, through assemblies, Religious Education, topic work, our curriculum and PSHE sessions.

We seek to promote British Values in our policies and practice here at our school. Our activities and the way we manage learning and behaviour, clearly reflect British Values. We promote these values in the following ways:

Democracy

There are many opportunities for all members of our school community to have their voices heard:

Children have the opportunity to become members of the School Council through an election process. The School Council meet on a regular basis and members can bring issues for discussion that have been raised by their class peers.
Our open door policy ensures parents can have easy access to office staff, class teachers and members of the Leadership Team.
Our staff team meets every week after school to discuss all aspects of school life. This meeting provides a perfect opportunity for feedback to the Leadership Team.

The Rule of Law

Children 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. We have visits from local Police officers to reinforce their understanding.
We ensure that school rules and expectations are clear and fair. The class rules, agreed with the children at the start of each year, are an example of this. The children spend time talking about what the rules should be, why they need to have certain rules and also understanding the implications of breaking the rules.
We help pupils to distinguish right from wrong e.g. during everyday interactions and discussions of stories, fables and other literary materials.
During Religious Education the children learn about other faith and belief systems and consider the rules that govern those. Other school subjects provide opportunities for children to appreciate and understand the importance of rules - in a PE lesson for example.

Individual Liberty

Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. We promote freedom of choice and the right to respectfully express views and beliefs.
Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised to exercise these safely, for example through our Anti-Bullying, E-safety and PSHE lessons.
We support pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence through all areas of teaching and learning in school.
Stereotypes in school are challenged.
Children are encouraged to take responsibility for their behaviour, as well as knowing their rights.

Respect & Tolerance

We aim to develop an understanding in every pupil of respect for a wide range of religious values, languages and cultural traditions and different ways of life.
Our pupils understand that it is expected that respect is shown to everyone, irrespective of whatever differences they may have. Children learn that their behaviour choices have an effect on their own rights and those of others.
We will always challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour e.g. through discussions as well as our approach to behaviour in school.
We hold numerous fund-raising events throughout the year to support a variety of charities that have touched some of our children and their families. This raises awareness of the charity, its work and the people it supports, among the children.
The curriculum is used to maximum effect to enhance pupil's understanding and respect for their own, and other, faiths and beliefs.