British Values

Promoting British Values at Benjamin Hargreaves C.E. Primary School

Background

The DfE have 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 sets out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy.

Benjamin Hargreaves is a Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School whose Anglican foundation is governed by its Trust Deed and the above British Values, which reflect our Christian values, are reinforced in collective worship, assemblies and through the Curriculum.

Democracy:

Democracy is evident throughout our school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our Pupil Leadership Groups, including Pupil Parliament. The elections of children for Pupil Leadership roles are based solely on pupil votes. The Head Boy and Head Girl are voted for by staff members.

The Rule of Law:

The importance of laws, whether they affect the class, the school, or our country, is reinforced in school assemblies, collective worship, PSHE, RE, and other aspects of the curriculum. Pupils are taught the value and rationale behind laws, how they govern and protect us, the responsibilities they impose, and the consequences of breaking them. Visits to and visitors from authorities such as the Police, Fire Service, paramedics, etc. are regular parts of our school calendar and help reinforce this message.

Individual Liberty:

As a school, we educate our pupils and set boundaries to help them make choices by providing a safe environment. We encourage a sense of belonging and teach children that they belong wherever they feel loved and accepted for who they are.

Mutual Respect and Tolerance for Different Faiths and Beliefs:

The school promotes respect for others, which is modelled by all staff, as they live out our school vision. Our class rules support as we promote 'We celebrate our differences.' We have 6 core values: Love, Kindness, Compassion, Respect, Honesty and Forgiveness. We ensure that our curriculum reflects our children and community and we actively seek to disrupt stereotypes that children may hold. Children learn about world faiths in

R.E. and members of different faiths are encouraged to share their beliefs and practices to enhance pupils’ understanding. Pupils visit a range of ‘places of worship’ as part of R.E. lessons throughout their time within the school.