British Values
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 Prevent Strategy: these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
- democracy
- rule of law
- individual liberty
- mutual respect
- tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
We teach British Values through planning and delivering a broad and balanced curriculum. These values are taught explicitly through PSHE lessons in the Heritage and Values theme and Religious Education (RE).
We take opportunities to actively promote British values through our weekly assemblies, whole school systems and structures such as electing and running a successful Pupil Parliament. We also actively promote the British Values through ensuring that our curriculum planning and delivery includes real opportunities for exploring these values. Actively promoting British Values also means challenging pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including 'extremist' views.
The Pupil Parliament
As part of our curriculum, children have the opportunity to run as an MP for the Pupil Parliament. As part of the campaign process, the children have to communicate their vision for the school and were consequently elected by their year groups. Pupil Parliament work closely with teachers and the Principal to debate current issues and bring about democratic change.