The Promotion of British Values at Barling Magna Primary Academy

What are British values?

The document “Promoting fundamental British values as part of SMSC in schools” says “schools should promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and the mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs”.

At Barling Magna primary Academy, the importance of SMSC education in developing well-rounded citizens who contribute to society and improve their communities has always been recognised and promoted as integral to membership of the school. Fundamental British values have always been at the heart of what we do, although in the past they may not have been explicitly labelled as such. When the term ‘British Value’s is used it is important to underline that this embraces the fact that we are a nation with a proud history of people of many different ethnic backgrounds, religious beliefs and secular values all living together in a plural society. Our school models this wider picture of inclusivity, freedom and equality, so our underpinning values are British to the core.

The five British Values are:

• Democracy

• The rule of law

• Individual liberty

• Mutual respect

• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

We ensure that the fundamental British Values are introduced, discussed and lived out through the ethos and work of the school. All curriculum areas provide a vehicle for furthering understanding of these concepts and, in particular, RE, PSHE and Assemblies provide opportunities to deepen and develop understanding. We encourage our children to be creative, unique, open-minded and independent individuals, respectful of themselves and of others in our school, our local community and the wider world. We aim to nurture our children on their journey through life so they can grow into safe, caring, democratic, responsible and tolerant adults who make a positive difference to British Society and to the world.

How we promote British values in our curriculum: