Fundamental British Values

at

Matlock Bath Holy Trinity (CofE) Primary School

Promoting British Values Through Books

There are some great books around that link to each British Value. We are building a collection at school of these books. Here are a few below examples you could look at, at home!

This half term the Juniors have been looking at:

Mutual Respect and Tolerance

We have looked at what it means to be respectful and tolerant of others in lots of different ways. Take a look at the 'Positive Value Postcards' the children have made demonstrating their understanding of this British Value in the picture below.

British Values in our School

The DfE set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values have become part of all schools across the country. At Matlock Bath Holy Trinity CofE Primary School, these values are reinforced regularly.

But what are 'British Values'?

According to Ofsted, 'fundamental 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.

(School Inspection Handbook from September 2015)      

Democracy

Democracy is encouraged within our school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our whole school family approach and our Church Council.  Collective Worship times are used for our Family Groups to come together and support each other through the sharing of ideas and thoughts.

The Rule of Law

The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through Collective Worship times. Staff and pupils work together to create 'Agreements' at the beginning of the school year, so everyone has a part to play in understanding and agreeing on the importance of rules. 

Individual Liberty

Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school, we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make choices safely, through of provision of a safe environment and empowering education.  Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised on how to exercise these safely, for example through online-safety and PSHE times. Whether it be through choice of challenge, of how they record, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices, with an understanding of individual responsibility that comes with those choices.

Mutual Respect and Tolerance for those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

This is achieved through enhancing pupils' understanding of living in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Collective Worship times and class discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in Religious Education and Personal, Social and Health Education. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.

Our overall aim is to ensure our children become valuable and well-rounded members of a diverse society and are prepared for life in modern day Britain!