Fundamental British Values

St. Mary’s Island CEA Primary School is committed to creating and enforcing a rigorous expectation that all pupils possess an understanding of the fundamental British values of: democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. We are dedicated to promoting values which ensure our pupils develop a strong sense of social and moral responsibility which will prepare them for life in modern Britain. These are promoted within the curriculum, worship and the general ethos around the school.

Purpose of study

A thorough understanding of fundamental British values should equip pupils with the confidence and self-esteem to be able to distinguish right from wrong, respect the civil and criminal law of England and accept responsibility for their behaviour. Pupils should understand how they can make a positive contribution within the school community and to wider society. Pupils should have a broad general knowledge of and respect for public institutions and services in Britain and understand their own culture. Pupils are taught about a variety of cultures and learn to celebrate and respect differences. Respect is part of the ethos of the school and we encourage pupils to appreciate the process of democracy and understand how laws are made and applied in Britain.

What are the fundamental British values and how do we promote them?

The children discuss how each of the values could be shown inside and outside school and respond to a variety of thought-provoking questions, for example, ‘Why is it good that we can make our own choices?’ and ‘Who do you respect and why?’. There are school displays which remind children of the values and also how we show them around the school. The new curriculum planning format also has a fundamental British values section so teaching staff can see where they can be promoted in lessons.

Democracy

At St. Mary’s Island CEA Primary School we value pupil voice and encourage children to express their views. There is a School Council which meets regularly to discuss topical events. Democracy is also shown through history topics, for example, in Year 5 children are taught about Viking crimes and how the justice system has developed over time.

Mutual Respect

At St. Mary’s Island CEA Primary School mutual respect is promoted in a variety of ways. Our Religions and Worldviews Curriculum encourages children to understand a range of faiths and reflect on what it means to have a faith. Special celebration events, such as Remembrance Service, are held in order for children to appreciate the sacrifice made by others.  Visits to places of worship are also organised. Our marking and feedback policy serves the purpose of increasing children’s confidence in their work and acknowledging the effort that they have put into their work. The children’s achievements are recognised and their achievements and progress at Mini Youth Games are celebrated in Key Stage celebration assemblies.

Rule of Law

The school has a structured behaviour policy and children understand the rewards and consequences of their behaviour. Each class has clear and fair class rules. We celebrate the adherence to these rules through acknowledgement, weekly certificates and team points. During PSHRE lessons, children learn about the importance of having rules and apply these rules to online safety too. We also hold visits from people in authority such as the Police and Fire Safety Officers.

Individual Liberty

A strong anti-bullying culture is prevalent in the school and we take all reports of bullying seriously. We encourage children to take responsibility for their behaviour and reflect on their actions. Throughout the curriculum, children are expected to respect the choices of others and celebrate their differences.

Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs

In PSHRE, children are taught to celebrate the similarities and differences between themselves and others. We also organise visits to places of worship.  Children learn about a range of cultures and languages. For example, for Pentecost Day, each year group study a different country and its religious practices. Our ‘Fundamental British Values Day’ allows the children to explore what the values are and how these can be promoted both within and outside of school. Our Religions and Worldviews curriculum covers the six main faiths of the world and worldviews. One of the golden threads woven through the subject seeks to promote understanding of different faiths.

Why are the fundamental British values important?

Fundamental British values allow everyone to feel safe in an environment which is free from discrimination and bullying. Through learning about the fundamental British values, pupils are able to identify examples of discrimination and accept that other people have different cultures, faiths or beliefs to themselves. Across the curriculum, children learn that all cultures, faiths and beliefs are accepted and tolerated, and should never be the cause of prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour.

Pupil Voice  

It is important that pupils are able to reflect on the significance of the fundamental British values and understand how life would be different if the values were not applied. The following are some examples of a selection of pupils ideas about the fundamental British values:

1) Why are the fundamental British values important?

“The fundamental British values are important because they keep everyone safe and they create an equal way of living.”

2) What would our community be like if we did not follow the fundamental British values?

“Our community without the British values would have lots of racism and bullying.”

3) Why do we have an Ethos Committee?

“We have an Ethos Committee to have a chance to speak about God. We also write prayers about the seasons (such as Pentecost) and the school values.”

4) What new law would you create?

“My new law would be that everyone must be treated equally.”

5) What would life be like if we did not have a set of values for us all to follow?

“If we were not tolerant, there would be lots of bullying. If we did not have the rule of law, things would be out of control and people would not understand their responsibilities. If we did not have democracy, people would be angry when they feel that things are unfair.”

Challenge Questions

Across the curriculum, children are expected to think more deeply about their learning. Children should be able to apply their knowledge of the values, analyse their importance, justify their opinions and propose alternative ideas.

Applying:

Application: Applying knowledge involves using known information to solve problems or use the knowledge in a different way

- How can British values help us?
- What questions would you ask in an interview with a Member of Parliament?
- What examples can you find of how you have demonstrated one of the fundamental British values?

Analysing:
Analysis: Analysing involves examining information and breaking it down, in order to identify motives or causes, make inferences or find evidence to support generalisations.

-Why are British values important?
-Why do we have a School Council and Ethos Committee?
-What would our community be like if we didn’t follow the British values?
-What is the relationship between our school values and fundamental British values?

Evaluating:
Evaluation: Evaluating entails presenting, defending and justifying opinions by making judgements about the validity of ideas

- What is the most important value and why?
- Rank the importance of the fundamental British values
- Are the fundamental British values important in school? Justify your answer.

Creating
Creating is the process of changing of producing something new by combining elements in a new pattern or proposing alternative solutions

-What new law would you create? Why?
-How would you explain what the FBV are to someone who had never heard of the fundamental British values?
- Propose an alternative way to promote one of the fundamental British values
- Formulate a Bill (a draft law) that you wish to be passed in UK Parliament

 
These challenge questions are used within lessons but are also added to our fundamental British values display board for pupils to respond to. They are displayed before being added to a fundamental British values book so a new question can be posed on the board.