Promoting British Values at Freeland CE Primary 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 the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values were reiterated in 2014. At Freeland CE Primary School these values are reinforced regularly in the following ways:

We have Christian Values. The children are familiar with our four core Christian Values of honesty, forgiveness, compassion and love and also subsequent values that we cover each term.

In assembly the children composed a list of what it means to be a good British citizen and what the five values mean to use and what we do within our school to promote these.  Our display in the hall reminds us of all the good things we need to do to be a good citizen of Britain.

Freeland School Citizens

The five values we promote are:

• Democracy
• The Rule of Law
• Individual Liberty
• Mutual Respect
• Tolerance of those from Different Faiths and Beliefs

Democracy

Children have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. We have a school council which meets regularly to discuss issues raised in class council meetings. The two council members from each class are voted for by their class. Children regularly have questionnaires with which they are able to put forward their views about the school.

The Rule of Law

The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout the regular school day, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws; that they govern and protect us; the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help reinforce this message.

Individual Liberty

Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make choices safely, through provision of a safe environment and empowering education.  Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it be through choice of learning challenge; of how they record; of participation in our extra-curricular opportunities; pupils are given the freedom to make choices and the freedom to express their point of view.

Mutual Respect

Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect. Our school has high expectations where courtesy and good manners are shown towards all. Children treat others how they would want to be treated. Children are given the opportunity to reflect on behaviour and understand their impact upon others. As a Christian school we value forgiveness and restore respect through this.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

At Freeland Primary School our RE curriculum reinforces an understanding of other religions and cultures. This is also celebrated through assemblies where we share Christian celebrations as well as those from other faiths. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. Children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths as well as visit our own church, St Mary’s in Freeland.