British Values

Promoting British Values at Roger de Clare

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 Roger de Clare these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

·         Democracy:

Democracy is rife within the school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council, Eco Action group and Worship Club. Staff also regularly conduct pupil questionnaires. With each new topic, children have the opportunity to share their learning and decide what they want to find out. Pupil voice is also part of our School Development Plan.

·         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 school worship. Pupils 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 and Fire Service are encouraged.

·         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. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advise how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it be through choice of challenge, of how they record, of participation in our extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.

·         Mutual Respect:

One of our school values is respect, and pupils are part of discussions and worship related to what this means and how it is shown. All stakeholders within the school promote respect for others and this is reiterated through our classroom and learning rules, as well as our behaviour policy.

·         Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:

A central idea of our Christian ethos is tolerance and respect for those with different faiths and beliefs. Children are taught the key elements of the 6 main world faiths and have the opportunity to explore and discuss how people see the world differently.