Promoting & Teaching British Values

St Paul’s Primary School is committed to serving its community. It recognises the multi-cultural, multi faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom.

It follows equal opportunities guidance which guarantees that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group regardless of faith, ethnicity, sexuality, political or financial status, or similar.

The Government emphasises that schools are required to ensure that key ‘British Values’ are taught in all UK schools. The Government set out its definition of British Values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy.

The five British Values are:

  • Democracy
  • The Rule of Law
  • Individual Liberty
  • Mutual Respect
  • Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith

At St Paul’s Primary School, these values are part of our wellbeing curriculum, which ensures children have the knowledge of all the information that will affect their wellbeing. They are also reinforced regularly through SMSC (spiritual, moral, social and cultural) themes. These are planned for across all areas of learning and school life and ensures pupils are aware of the history and values of Britain and are prepared for life in Modern Britain.  We aim to help pupils understand the role of British values in society and this is done in the following ways:

Democracy
Being part of decision making process that affects our lives, where everyone is aware of their rights and responsibilities.

In school we promote the importance of democracy through such things as:

  • Student voice is heard through a variety of pupil councils such as: School Council, Worship Council, Well Being Council, and these are democratically elected by peers
  • Pupils have the opportunity to vote on class related matters e.g. class rewards, name of class mascot, movie nights
  • Pupils have school responsibilities e.g. class monitors BFGs, Prefects, Buddy Readers, Play Leaders
Individual Liberty
The protection of your rights and the rights of others.

In school we promote the importance of individual liberty through such things as:

  • All children are entitled to an education they can access
  • A strong focus on well being
  • A wealth of extra-curricular activities that are open to all, such as, sports clubs, music groups, science clubs etc.
Rule of Law
We must all follow rules that are fair and consistent, remembering that we are responsible for our own actions and accepting the consequences if we don’t follow the rules.

In school we promote the importance of rule of law through such things as:

  • A clear set of positively worded school rules that are followed up by a consistent behaviour policy
  • Pupils help to create a class code of conduct at the beginning of each year
  • Accountability is stressed to all stakeholders including pupils, staff, parents and Governors
  • Children learn about the importance of laws in relation to a variety of topics, such as, Road Safety, Staying Safe Online etc.
Mutual Respect
Everyone should respect each other’s rights, thoughts and opinions.

In school we promote the importance of mutual respect through such things as:

  • School rules ensure that there is a fair and respectful approach to behaviour management
  • The school values and ethos promote mutual respect for all
  • The school has a nurturing and inclusive environment
  • Respect for all is explicitly taught through the curriculum and Key Stage assemblies
  • Children are given the opportunity to express their own opinions through discussions, debates and written argument/persuasion texts linked to topics
Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith
Understanding and accepting that everyone has their own beliefs and opinions that may be different from others.

In school we promote the importance of tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith through such things as:

  • The schools values embed an ethos of tolerance and respect for all
  • Religious and Cultural Education is taught throughout the school
  • Faith assemblies
  • A well-stocked library with books from a variety of different cultures and faiths
  • Governance includes faith representation from the Church of England