Statement on British Values
Promoting British Values at Brill Church of England School
The Department for Education state that there is a need “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 and 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 and these values were reiterated by the Prime Minister in 2014. At Brill Church of England School these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways.
Democracy
Democracy is embedded at the school. Pupils are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and with concern to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard. Pupils also have the opportunity to air their opinions and ideas through our School Council and regular questionnaires. The elections of the School Council members and House Captains are based solely on pupil votes, reflecting our British electoral system and demonstrating democracy in action.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws whether they are those that govern the class, the School or the country, are consistently reinforced. Our School has ‘Golden Behaviour Rules: Be Ready, Be Respectful and Be Safe’, which are deeply embedded in our work every day. Each class also discusses and sets its own rules that are clearly understood by all and seen to be necessary to ensure that every class member is able to learn in a safe and ordered environment. Our 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.
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 our pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and an empowering education. Our pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely; examples of this can be clearly seen in our e-safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it is through choice of challenge; of how they record; of participation in our numerous extra- curricular activities; our pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
Mutual Respect
Respect is one of our core behaviour rules. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All stakeholders treat each other with respect. Our ‘mindset values’ and curriculum drivers all encourage and encompass respect.
Tolerance of Those With Different Faiths And Beliefs
We actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures. Religious education lessons and PSHE lessons reinforce messages of respect and tolerance for others. Members of different faiths and religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within school.
Our Curriculum
We ensure that the fundamental British Values are introduced, discussed and lived out through the ethos and work of the school. Our cross curricular approach provides a vehicle for furthering understanding of these concepts and also to deepen and develop the wider spiritual, moral, social and cultural education of our children.
Click on the link below to see a curriculum map that shows where these concepts and values are referenced in our school curriculum.
Voting in a School Council election
