British Values
In November 2014, the Department of Education (DfE) placed a duty on schools to promote British Values throughout school life.
The DfE stated 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.”
At St Barnabas CE Primary School we uphold, promote, teach and reinforce the following fundamental British Values:
Democracy
Rule of law
Individual liberty
Mutual respect
Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
These values are embedded throughout all aspects of our broad and balanced curriculum. They are actively promoted through daily assemblies and collective acts of worship and are taught explicitly through Personal, Social, Health Education (PSHE) and Religious Education (RE) lessons.
At St Barnabas, we work hard to broaden our children’s experience, to prepare them for life and work in contemporary Britain. We teach them to respect and value the diversity around them as well as understanding how to make safe, well-considered decisions.
Our school community embraces and celebrates diversity. We place a strong emphasis on the common values that all communities share such as self-respect, tolerance and the sanctity of life.
St Barnabas CE Primary School has planned for long-term coverage of all aspects of British Values. This coverage is constantly reviewed so that we can take into account our rapidly changing community/world and different learning opportunities that may arise under these areas.
Democracy:
Democracy is an important value at our 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 have the opportunity to air their thoughts and ideas through our School Council which meets on a fortnightly basis. The School Council are appointed through a pupil/peer voting system, reflecting our current British electoral system and demonstrating democracy in action.
The Rule of Law:
The importance of laws and rules, whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout the school day. Our school's behaviour systems and the wealth of award and reward systems we adopt ensure that every child is able to learn in a safe and secure 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 can do so in a safe and supportive environment. We educate and provide boundaries for our pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and an empowering curriculum. Our pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely through PSHE lessons and assemblies.
Mutual Respect:
Our school vision statement encourages all our pupils to show the personal qualities of friendship and respect at all times. Respect for people and property are core values at St Barnabas and underpin everything that takes place both inside and outside the classroom.
Tolerance of Those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:
Our core value of respect for all others ensures tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs. We enhance our pupils' understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society through assemblies, collective acts of worship, RE and PHSE lessons and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying.
If you would like any further information about our curriculum, please contact the school office.