The concepts and teaching of British Values are taught explicitly and woven throughout our day-to-day curriculum. PSHE lessons explore British Values, examining the role that they play in day to day lives and in decision making on a personal, school, community, national and global scale. Opportunities are taken to explore the entire range of values within the teaching of English, RE and other subjects. Collective Worship explores British Values in their Christian context. We teach the children to listen to other people’s views, especially when they do not concur with their own; to consider other people’s viewpoints and be able to challenge views acceptably, learning how to disagree well. The children are taught how British Law is applied in practice through the principles of democracy and individual liberty upholding hard-fought for rights of equality and equity.
We agree with the Department for Education’s five part definition of British Values.
- Democracy
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Mutual respect
- Tolerance of those of different faiths and belief
We agree with the Department for Education’s advice that through cultivating these values:
- We will enable pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence.
- We will enable pupils to distinguish right from wrong and to respect the civil and criminal law of England.
- We will encourage pupils to accept responsibility for their behaviour, show initiative , and to understand how they can contribute.
- We will encourage pupils to acquire a broad general knowledge of and respect for public institutions and services in England.
- We will promote further tolerance and harmony between different cultural traditions by enabling pupils to acquire an appreciation for and respect for their own and others’ cultures.
- We will encourage pupils to have respect for other people.
- We will encourage respect from pupils for democracy and support participation in the democratic processes , including respect for the basis on which the law is made and applied in England.
Democracy
Our children are given a voice to express their own ideas and opinions. Children are listened to and genuine is taken as a result of their views.
The Rule of Law
St Helen’s has 3 basic rules – Respect, Reflect and Be Responsible – and we explain these rules to the children through Collective Worship, through teaching and by example. Our approach to behaviour encourages children to take ownership of their behaviour, facing the consequences of their actions.
Individual Liberty
We actively encourage children to make informed choices, knowing that they are in a supportive environment and will be guided through each situation. Pupils take a wide range of leadership roles within school, developing their interests and abilities.
Mutual Respect
A core principle of St Helen’s is respect for every child, adult and our environment. This is actively encouraged and modelled by all in school.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Our RE curriculum, including daily acts of Collective Worship, provides a broad and balanced education about a range of faiths, religions and cultures.