British Values
What are British values?
According to Ofsted, British values are:
- democracy;
- the rule of law;
- individual liberty;
- mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith
Knowledge and understanding expected of pupils
As a result of the promotion of British values, pupils are expected to gain:
- An understanding of how citizens can influence decision-making through the democratic process
- An appreciation that living under the rule of law protects individual citizens and is essential for their wellbeing and safety
- An understanding that there is a separation of power between the executive and the judiciary, and that while some public bodies such as the police and the army can be held to account through Parliament, others such as the courts maintain independence
- An understanding that the freedom to choose and hold other faiths and beliefs is protected in law
- An acceptance that other people having different faiths or beliefs to oneself (or having none) should be accepted and tolerated, and should not be the cause of prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour
- An understanding of the importance of identifying and combating discrimination
British values in action in Sutton on Trent
- Democracy
In our school, everyone has a voice. Pupils are listened to by adults and are actively taught to listen carefully and with concern to one another, respecting the right of each individual to have their own opinion. We embrace the truth that people can have different opinions and still get along. The children experience the democratic process when electing members of their class to serve the school in a variety of roles.
- The Rule of Law
In our school, the pupils understand the importance of rules to govern the class, the school and the country. We have a set of school rules that were developed by the whole school community, including the pupils. These rules are displayed in every room around the school and consistently referred to when praising the children. If pupils do not follow the rules, staff take time to talk to them about the consequences of their actions. Pupils are taught that rules help to keep us safe and ensure our school runs effectively.
- Individual Liberty
In our school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. Choices may be provided in terms of levels of challenge, how to record their learning or what activities they participate in beyond the National Curriculum. The children know they have the freedom to make choices for themselves.
- Mutual Respect
In our school pupils know and understand that respect is a core expectation of all. Respectful relationships are modelled at all levels. Pupils are provided with opportunities to work and socialise with children from different age groups, genders and backgrounds and are expected to treat everyone equally.
- Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs
In our school, pupils learn about many different faiths and beliefs through their Religious Education studies, visits and visitors, assemblies for celebrations and festivals and through sharing their experiences of their own familial and cultural heritage. The effective use of the No Outsiders scheme of learning enables our pupils gain an enhanced understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society.
We believe everyone is different, everyone is equal and everyone is welcome at Sutton On Trent school.