Promoting British Values

Alongside the new National Curriculum, 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.”

At St. Peter's we understand the importance of such values. They are integral to the curriculum experience, are core life skills and are embedded in our daily practice. These values are not unique to Britain and are the values of different countries and cultures represented by all our families at St. Peter's.

Below are just a few examples of how we promote British values.

Democracy

At St. Peter's we purposefully plan opportunities for children, parents and staff to contribute to and express their views ensuring their opinions are heard. The election of our School Council demonstrates democracy in action: peers vote for representatives and they meet fortnightly to discuss issues raised by classes. Our  Prefects’ voting process involves children submitting statements emphasising why they should have these roles and the candidates are announced at a whole school assembly so all children are aware of the results. Pupil Voice/Conferencing takes place three times a year, actively involving the children in providing suggestions and reflection on the teaching and learning of core subjects and their learning environment; their responses informs feedback to staff. Parents’ and carers’ views are welcomed through the most obvious means of questionnaires and feedback forms. We constantly strive to maintain an open door approachable policy with members of the SLT carrying out morning duty daily, strengthening positive relationships and encouraging discussion with our parents and carers.

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 the school day, following our behaviour policy and the explicit use of ‘restorative justice.' GEMS have been introduced to reward children who consistently choose to make the right choices and demonstrate St. Peter's values. Children are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police, Fire and Lifeguards’ service help reinforce this message. 

Individual Liberty

Within school, children are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide clear boundaries for our children to make choices safely, through provision of a safe environment and an enriched curriculum. Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised on how to exercise these safely, for example through our Digital Citizenship and PSHE lessons. Whether it be through choice of a learning challenge, choice of learning style or how they record, of participation in our wide range of extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, or pupil organized and run charity events, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.

Mutual Respect

Mutual respect is at the heart of our values and we are proud to promote and celebrate our different backgrounds and beliefs. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others; they know and understand that everyone is expected to demonstrate tolerance and mutual respect.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

Diversity is a core curriculum driver at St. Peter's. At St. Peter's, we strive to enhance our children’s tolerance of their place in a culturally diverse and ever changing society and plan opportunities through PSHE, RE and assemblies, which support their levels of understanding. 

Actively promoting British Values also means challenging children, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values. Any such incident is treated extremely seriously in line with our expectations and policies.