British Values
The Department of Education (DfE) directs 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 Saint John’s CE Primary School, these values are reinforced regularly and in various ways. In the summer term, we will focus on each of these values and discuss them in detail in our whole school collective worship and in our classrooms.
British Values impact our curriculum as well, with references being made in many different subjects.
We also align these with our Christian Values: see below.
Democracy
Democracy is highly valued at Saint John's. We consider it important that children have opportunities for their voices to be heard. We have a school council whose members are voted in by their class. It meets regularly to discuss issues raised in class council meetings. Pupil questionnaires and pupil voice meetings provide opportunities for views to be put forward.
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 regular school day, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school collective worship. 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 Local MP, Mayor, Police and Fire Service etc. are part of our calendar and help reinforce this message.
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 the 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 our E-Safety and P.S.H.E. lessons. Whether it be through choice of challenge, how they record their work, or participation in our extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
Mutual Respect and Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Saint John’s serves a multi-faith community where each person is respected and valued equally without regard of ability, gender, faith, heritage or race. Cultural appreciation and development forms part of our curriculum. We place great emphasis on providing opportunities for pupils to participate in events and celebrations to broaden their experiences and awareness of others. Our times of collective worship help all pupils to find out about themselves and others, linking their lives to the communities in which they belong.