British Values

What are British values?

According to Ofsted, British values are:

• democracy;
• the rule of law;
• individual liberty;
• mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith

KS2 Visit to Workington Magistrates Court

To support our learning about British Values and the Rule of Law, the Juniors had a very interesting visit to the Magistrate's Court. We learned lots of new information and asked many mature and thoughtful questions.

We had the opportunity to take part in a mock court case about Cyber-Bullying where we got to play the roles of lawyers, solicitors, magistrates, witnesses, victims and the accused. 

Promoting British Values

The DfE have recently reinforced the 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 in 2014.  At Ennerdale & Kinniside CE Primary School these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways.

Democracy

Children have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. We have a school council which meets regularly to discuss issues raised in class council meetings. School councillors represent their peers and are voted for at annual elections.

The Rule of Law

The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. 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. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help reinforce this message.

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 young pupils to make choices safely, through provision of a safe environment and empowering education.  Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it be through choice of learning challenge, of how they record, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.

Mutual Respect

As a Rights Respecting School, mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

Ennerdale & Kinniside CE Primary School is situated in an area which is not greatly culturally diverse, therefore we place a great emphasis on promoting diversity with the children. Assemblies are planned to address this issue either directly or through the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures. Our RE and PSHE teaching reinforce this. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. Children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths.