What are the British values?

All schools are required by law to promote the fundamental British values of:

• democracy
• the rule of law
• individual liberty
• mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

British values are a set of principles that the Department for Education (DfE) in England expects schools to promote as part of their commitment to students' spiritual, moral, social, and cultural (SMSC) development. These values are meant to prepare pupils for life in modern Britain and include:

1. Democracy: Encouraging pupils to express their views and make decisions collectively, for example, through school councils or pupil voice initiatives.
2. The Rule of Law: Teaching the importance of laws, rules, and the responsibilities they entail. This can be demonstrated by having clear school rules and involving pupils in discussions about why they are necessary.
3. Individual Liberty: Supporting pupils to make informed choices and understand their rights and personal freedoms in a safe environment.
4. Mutual Respect and Tolerance: Promoting respect for and tolerance of people of different faiths, beliefs, and backgrounds. This involves teaching about diversity and encouraging an inclusive school culture.

How to Promote British Values

To promote these values effectively, they are integrated into our curriculum and ethos. Here are some ways we do this:

• Curriculum Links: We include discussions on these values especially in subjects like Citizenship, Religious Education, and Personal Development. There are also units of work that cover British values. For example, studying democratic processes in history or current affairs.
• Assemblies and School Culture: We use assemblies to discuss and reinforce these values, and ensure they are reflected in the life of our school.
• Practical Activities: We encourage pupils to participate in activities that demonstrate these values, such as community service or visiting places of worship. We also have an active school council.