British Values

At Victoria Road Primary School we believe in teaching our children about the fundamental British Values of:

• Democracy
• Rule of Law
• Individual Liberty
• Mutual Respect and the tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

These values are actively promoted through collective worship, our school rules, electing and running our school council.  They are taught explicitly through Personal, Social, Health, Citizenship Education (PSHCE) and Religious Education (RE).  We also teach British Values through planning and delivering our broad and balanced curriculum which includes real opportunities for exploring the values.

British Values are reinforced regularly in the following ways:

Democracy

• Democracy is richly embedded within our school.  All children in our school have a voice through the School Council  The election of School Council Representatives for each class (Years 1-6) are based on pupil votes.
• Our school behaviour policy which involves  rewards and sanctions runs through all aspects of school life and is shared with parents and carers.

The Rule of Law

• The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, school, or the country are constantly reinforced.
• All children follow the school Rules, these are reinforced regularly throughout the day.  Children are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken.  Visits from authority e.g. PCSO and fire service help reinforce this message.

Individual Liberty

• Children are actively encouraged to make choices at our school, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment.
• Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our PSHCE  and e-safety lessons.
• Children are given freedom to make choices e.g. signing up for extra-curricular clubs, roles etc.

Mutual Respect and the tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

• Mutual respect is at the heart of our values.  Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others.
• All members of our school community treat each other with respect.
• Respect is a theme running through all of our rules.
• Assemblies are planned to promote cultural diversity either directly or through the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures.
• The school library is resourced with books to promote cultural diversity.
• RE and PSHCE teaching reinforces tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.
• Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.