Why are these important? (Our intent)

At St Mary’s CE Primary School we welcome and value the range of diverse backgrounds of our pupils, families and wider school community, which is why it is so important that we teach and promote British values.

The Department for Education states that there is a 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 Department for Education defines British Values as follows:

• Respect for democracy and support or participation in the democratic process
• Respect for the basis on which the law is made and applies in England
• Support for equality of opportunity for all
• Support and respect for the liberties of all within the law
• Respect for and tolerance of different faiths and religious and other beliefs

How do we teach them? (Our implementation)

At St Mary’s British values is reflected in all that we do. We aim to nurture all 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. Through all areas of our curriculum 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. Our wide range of pupil voice opportunities ensures that all children are included in democratic processes and decision making within the school. Through a varied curriculum including debate, role play, PSHE, history and pupil voice children not only learn the definition of British values but how they impact our lives and shape us a person and community.

What is the difference that this makes? (Our impact)

• Children actively participate in debate and discussion and feel that their views are listened to.
• Children are able to work cooperatively in pairs and groups as well as in whole class situations.
• Children are able to articulate how and why we need to behave in school and demonstrate they understand and can abide by these.
• Children are consulted on many aspects of school life and demonstrate independence of thought and action.
• Children are able to talk about the different faiths and cultures they learn about, ask questions and show tolerance and respect for others of different backgrounds.