British Values
Promoting Fundamental British Values at Slaley First School
We aim to actively promote British Values in order to help prepare our young people 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 are equal
The Key British Values are:
- democracy
- rule of law
- individual liberty
- mutual respect
- tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
We help children to remember British Values through the thumb and finger model ...
Thumb – Democracy – up or down to give opinion.
Index finger – Rule of Law - pointing
Middle finger – Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs – tallest finger pointing to God.
Ring Finger – Mutual respect – wedding ring – respect for other people
Little finger – Individual Liberty – sticks out on its own.
We actively promote British values through...
Focusing on and showing how the school’s work is effective in securing these values.
Challenging pupils, staff, visitors or parents who express opinions contrary to British values
Democracy – what do we do?
- Class voting for the election of school councillors at the start of the year;
- Teach pupils how they can influence decision-making through the democratic process;
- Taught through assemblies and our school curriculum;
- Encourage pupils to become involved in decision-making processes and ensure they are listened to in school;
- Help pupils to express their views;
- Model how perceived injustice can be peacefully challenged;
- Teach directly through our curriculum
Rule of law – what do we do?
- Ensure school rules and expectations are clear and fair;
- Class rules and celebration of adhering to these rules;
- Help pupils to distinguish right from wrong;
- Help pupils to understand that living under the rule of law protects individuals;
- Explore within our Personal Development Lessons
Individual liberty – what do we do?
- Support pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem, self-confidence;
- Encourage pupils to take responsibility for their behaviour, as well as knowing their rights;
- Model freedom of speech through pupil participation, while ensuring protection of vulnerable pupils and promoting critical analysis of evidence
- Challenge stereotypes;
- Implement a strong anti-bullying culture;
Mutual Respect and tolerance of different cultures and religions– what do we do?
- Explore positive role models (where possible) through our topics who reflect the protected characteristics of the 2010 Equality Act;
- Challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour;
- Organise visits to places of worship;
- Our RE scheme ensures that our children have a good understanding of a range of religious beliefs and customs;
- Help pupils to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life;
- Use of oracy to disagree in a respectful way with the views of others whilst in discussion.
