Promoting British Values at Christ Church School

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 set out its definition of British values in 2011, and these values were reiterated in 2014.

At Christ Church C of E Primary School we aim for our children to become valuable and fully rounded members of society who treat others with respect and tolerance, regardless of background. We promote the basic British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs in the following ways:

Democracy

We have a Head boy and Head Girl along with a school council with representatives from each year group. These children canvas during election campaigns and are voted for by the school community. The Head boy and Girl meet with the Head teacher regularly. The school council also meets regularly, in their meetings the children’s views and ideas on a range of school issues are sought their contributions inform school and community decisions. The council members create school council minutes which are fed back to their classes. They also collect class views which they bring to their meetings. Each year the children visit the Houses of Parliament to see how the government works.

The Rule of Law

All children are taught the school values taught they are taught the importance of and reasons behind our school ‘values’, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when the ‘values’ are not kept. Each class agrees its own class rules at the beginning of the academic year. We have a variety of rewards when children keep the ‘values’ including golden time, gold certificates and tea with the head teacher, These show children our values are special and in keeping them they will be rewarded.

Individual Liberty

Pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. Making choices is a key part of the way we want children to learn. The school vision is reinforced and revisited through assemblies, PHSE and across the curriculum throughout the school day. Our going for GOLD strap line encourages our children to reflect on the choices they make. We look at online safety as a key part of the Computing curriculum and through assemblies. We rigorously highlight the importance making safe choices when online.

Mutual Respect

Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. We are an inclusive school where everyone is valued and has a contribution to make to the school. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. The children and staff often work with other schools in our borough and with the local Church which develops their respect for others in the wider community.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

All different faiths and beliefs are explored and celebrated through assemblies, RE sessions and a variety of visitors into school. The children are taught that people have different faiths and beliefs and that these should be accepted. Children within our school with different faiths are encouraged to share their practices and special celebrations. Our school has strong links with the local interfaith community. Our local clergy from our school church regularly delivers weekly assemblies for us.