British Values

In accordance with The Department for Education, we aim to actively promote British values in our school to ensure young people leave school prepared 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 living in England are subject to its law.

At Lowerplace British Values is not taught in isolation, it is a thread that runs throughout our entire curriculum and in everything we do: in assemblies, celebrations, special awareness days and trips..  

The fundamental British Values are:

• • democracy
  • rule of law
  • individual liberty
  • mutual respect
  • Tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs (we prefer the phrase appreciation of difference)

We actively promote British values through:

Focusing on and showing how the school’s work is effective in securing these values throughout the curriculum.

Challenging pupils, staff, visitors or parents who express opinions contrary to British values.

Democracy – what do we do?

• Classes vote for the election of school councillors at the start of the year;
• Pupils are provided with a broad general knowledge of, and promote respect for, public services;
• Pupils are taught how they can influence decision-making through the democratic process, especially through our school council;
• This is taught through assemblies, our school curriculum and day to day practise;
• We encourage pupils to become involved in decision-making processes and ensure they are listened to in school;
• We help pupils to express their views;
• We model how perceived injustice can be peacefully challenged;
• The school council are involved in meetings to help decision making

Rule of law – what do we do?

• We ensure school rules and expectations are clear, fair and consistent and celebrate adherence to these;
• We involve children in writing class rules and celebrate adherence to these;
• We help pupils to distinguish right from wrong;
• We help pupils to respect the law and the basis on which it is made;
• We help pupils to understand that living under the rule of law protects individuals;
• We explore within our PSHE lessons, laws and what to do if peer pressure is trying to persuade children to break these; 

Individual liberty – what do we do?

• We support pupils to develop their knowledge, self-esteem, self-confidence;
• We encourage pupils to take responsibility for their behaviour, as well as knowing their rights;
• We model freedom of speech through pupil participation, while ensuring protection of vulnerable pupils/groups and promoting critical analysis of evidence;
• We challenge stereotypes;
• We implement a strong anti-bullying culture;
• E-Safety units of work are taught throughout school and parents are invited to workshops.

Mutual Respect and tolerance of different cultures and religions– what do we do?

• This is taught explicitly within our RE and PSHE curriculums;
• Assemblies are used to address these areas on a regular basis;
• Critical news events will be explored in an age appropriate way;
• We explore positive role models (where possible) through our various topics who reflect the protected characteristics of the 2010 Equality Act;
• We challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour;
• We organise visits to places of worship;
• We recognise/celebrate a variety of religious festivals such as Diwali, Eid and Christmas;
• Our RE scheme ensures that our children have a good understanding of a range of religious beliefs and customs;
• We help pupils to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life;