British Values
Promoting British Values
The DfE have recently 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 2011 Prevent
Strategy, and these values have been reiterated by the Prime Minister this
year. At Milborne Port these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy
Democracy is embedded within school. Children have the opportunity to have
their voices heard through our School Council. The elections of School
Council Members and Team Captains are all based on pupil votes. Children
are also given opportunities to respond to elections in the news and gain an
understanding of the democratic process through taking part in our own
‘general election’ based on an area that children would like to change. For
example children stand as different parties to design and organise an activity
for a playtime for one day. With the whole school voting for their preferred option.
The Rule of Law
Each class has a set of Golden Rules that are drawn up and agreed upon at
the beginning of the year and are age appropriate. These allow the children to
earn 5 minutes of Golden Time on a daily basis. On a Friday afternoon the
children choose to spend their 25 minutes in a variety of activities as a
reward. 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 school
assemblies. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that govern
and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences
when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police; Fire Service
etc. help to reinforce this message.
Individual Liberty
Within school we educate, model and provide boundaries. Pupils are actively
encouraged to make good choices. Through our assemblies, E-Safety and
PSHE lessons pupils learn how to exercise their rights, responsibilities and
personal freedoms within the community.
Mutual Respect
Through the promotion of our Seven Bee Values we foster mutual respect.
Especially when others’ views differ from our own.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
This is achieved through enhancing pupils understanding of their place in a
culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such
diversity. Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudicebased
bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE and
PSHE as well as other areas of the curriculum where appropriate. Members of
different faiths or religions and backgrounds are encouraged to share their
knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.