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British Values

Promoting British Values

There is an expectation from the government and Ofsted that schools: ‘actively promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.’ (School Inspection Handbook September 2014).

Actively promoting the values means challenging opinions or behaviours in school that are contrary to fundamental British values.

At Whitecote Primary School these elements form part of our aims through our values and are reinforced regularly through the school curriculum, organisation and routines.

Democracy

  • Pupils develop an early concept of democracy through the School Council, at which elected members represent their class.
  • Pupil Voice has impacted on school improvements such as the purchase of the new playground equipment, school lunches and the decisions made for what is required to achieve the INC award.
  • Year Five pupils looked at some of the history surrounding the general election and Scottish referendum and looked at what it was and how it worked. They also held a mock election.

The Rule of Law

  • Pupils have a clear understanding of the school rules and these are reinforced by a whole school Behaviour Policy and through our values and aims.
  • Pupils are involved in the writing of classroom rules at the start of each year, when the understanding behind rules is explored, along with a discussion of consequences in the event of rules not being observed.
  • Pupils receive our INC award and Whitecote Wonder award for showing good learning behaviour and by demonstrating the school’s values and aims.
  • Pupils have our rules and aims reinforced through PSHE lessons and school assemblies

Individual Liberty

  • Pupils are encouraged to respect their rights and the rights of others through our values and PSHE lessons.
  • Pupils are taught the importance of e-Safety in order to keep themselves safe when using technology.
  • Pupils study key historical figures and events, for example the Magna Carta, Black History Month and the Remembrance Day Commemorations, to support an understanding of the importance of individual liberty and the sacrifices that have been made.

Mutual Respect and Tolerance of those of different Faiths and Beliefs

  • We have high expectations of pupils conduct towards other people and this is outlined in the Behaviour Policy and the Single Equalities Policy.
  • Pupils are encouraged to respect other people’s faiths and beliefs through our values, aims, PSHE lessons and the RE curriculum.
  • Pupils are introduced to the beliefs and celebrations of different faith groups through the RE curriculum and school assemblies.
  • Through the pupils’ study of RE, they ‘will gain a greater understanding of the identity and diversity of their local community.  They will grow up to live and work as active, purposeful citizens of Leeds alongside people of all beliefs and cultures, and be challenged to reflect on difficult questions such as the meaning and purpose of life.  These are essential skills with which to equip our young people for adult life and lifelong learning.’ (Leeds Syllabus for Religious Education 2015). 
  • Our programme of visits includes local trips to places of worship, for example Year One’s trip to the church, Year Four’s trip to a Sikh temple in Bradford and Year Six’s trip to the Leeds Makkah Mosque.