British Values at St Paul's

At St Paul's CofE Primary School, we are committed to working with our families and the wider local community to ensure that multi- cultural, multi faith and the ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom is understood and valued. We will teach all children about ‘fundamental British values’ in an age-appropriate way through a broad and balanced curriculum and also through the examples set by all members of staff. The British Values are: Democracy, The Rule of Law, Individual Liberty, Mutual Respect, Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. 

Democracy – what do we do?

• Class voting for the election of school councillors, eco-captain and prefects at the start of the year;

• Annual school wide campaign and election for our house captains;

• Provide pupils with a broad general knowledge of, and promote respect for, public institutions and services;

• Teach pupils how they can influence decision-making through the democratic process;

• Taught through assemblies and our school curriculum;

• Teach a dedicated topic on the civil rights movement (protests and politics) in Year 5 

• Encourage pupils to become involved in decision-making processes and ensure they are listened to in school through pupil voices;

• Help pupils to express their views;

• Model how perceived injustice can be peacefully challenged;

Rule of law – what do we do?

• Ensure school rules and expectations are clear and fair;

• Class rules and celebration of adhering to these rules through merit assemblies;

• Help pupils to distinguish right from wrong;

• Help pupils to respect the law and the basis on which it is made;

• Help pupils to understand that living under the rule of law protects individuals;

• Explore within our Personal Development Lessons laws and what to do if peer pressure is trying to persuade children to break these;

• Annual visit from police to numerous year groups.

Individual liberty – what do we do?

• Support pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem, self-confidence;

• Encourage pupils to take responsibility for their behaviour, as well as knowing their rights;

• Model freedom of speech through pupil participation, while ensuring protection of vulnerable pupils and promoting critical analysis of evidence

• Challenge stereotypes;

• Implement a strong anti-bullying culture;

• Children in Year 6 are given key roles and responsibilities such as Playground leaders, Playground Buddies, Reading Buddies, Sports ambassadors and Prefects.

• E-Safety units of work are taught throughout school and parents and staff receive training on these.

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

• Have termly ‘Cultural Awareness Days’ where we learn about and celebrate different cultures;

• Diversity and Inclusion workshops to promote respect for individual differences and to actively challenge stereotypes;

• Use assemblies and Newsround to explore critical news events (e.g. terrorist attacks, Black Lives Matter etc);

• Explore positive role models (where possible) through our topics who reflect the protected characteristics of the 2010 Equality Act;

• Challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour;

• Organise visits to places of worship;

• Our RE scheme ensures that our children have a good understanding of a range of religious beliefs and customs;

• Help pupils to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life;