British Values at Old Stratford Primary School

Creating Lifelong Learning Opportunities for Everyone

“Keeping our children safe and ensuring school prepares them for life in modern Britain”

What do we mean by British Values?

The government set out its definition of British Values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy – values of:
 Democracy
 The rule of law
 Individual liberty
 Mutual respect
 Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

Schools are expected to focus on, and be able to show how their work with pupils is effective in embedding fundamental British Values. Actively promoting also means challenging pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values.

Democracy
Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our fortnightly school council meetings. We meet in mixed age groups to discuss issues and suggest ways to improve aspects of life at school. The council organise fundraising events to support their developments and are genuinely able to effect change
within the school.
Children participate in ‘pupil voice’ activities and have an annual questionnaire where they are able to put forward their views about the school. Our children feel that their opinions matter, and they do!

The Rule of Law
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class (classroom responsibilities), the school or the country, are consistently reinforced through regular assemblies and when addressing behaviour. Pupils 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.

Individual Liberty
Our pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school, we provide consistent boundaries to enable pupils to make informed choices.
Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms, and are advised how to exercise them safely, for example through e-safety or PSHCE lessons.

Mutual Respect
Mutual respect is at the centre of our values. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All stakeholders are encouraged to treat each other with respect.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs. The school promotes tolerance of and respect for people of all faiths (or those of no faith), cultures and
lifestyles. Pupils are taught to support and help each other through their words, actions and influences within school and the local community, to prepare them positively for life in modern Britain.
What does this mean for our curriculum?

Explicit teaching through:
 PSHE/Citizenship (can be seen on our topic webs on our website)
 RE
 Assembly/Collective worship and celebrations
 Special events linked to famous British people from history who demonstrated the fundamental

British Values
Embedded in all subjects through:
 Pupil voice
 Welfare and safety of pupils
 High expectations of behaviour/manners