Promoting British Values

Our Mission Statement

Our school reflects British values in all that we do.

We encourage our children to be creative, unique, open-minded and independent individuals, respectful of themselves and of others in our school, our local community and the wider world.

We aim to nurture our children on their journey through life so they can grow into safe, caring, democratic, responsible and tolerant adults who make a positive difference to British Society and to the world.

What are British Values?

Schools have been asked to explain how they promote British values. So what are ‘British’ values? There are certain values that have been attributed to being British, by the government and some institutions, and these fall into the following broad areas:

• Democracy
• The Rule of Law
• Individual Liberty
• Tolerance & Respect.

How do we specifically promote ‘British Values’ at Framwellgate Moor Primary School?

We seek to promote British values in our policies and practice here at Framwellgate Moor Primary. Our activities and the way we manage learning and behaviour, clearly reflect British values. We promote these values in the following ways:

Democracy

• Provide pupils with a broad general knowledge of, and promote respect for, public institutions and services – by discussing these whenever appropriate in curriculum work.
• Teach pupils how they can influence decision-making through the democratic process – e.g. in our Shiny Groups.  (Our Shiny People groups are the Eco Warriors, the Wellbeing Warriors, the Jolly Jigsaw Team, Digital Leaders, Club Commity, Culture Club, SNAG group, Playground Leaders and Sports Crew).
• Included in the curriculum is information on the advantages and disadvantages of democracy and how a democracy works in Britain – e.g. when considering periods of history where democracy was not as fully developed as it is now.
• Encourage pupils to become involved in decision-making processes and ensure they are listened to in school – through the work of the Shiny Groups, Pupil subject reviews, Pupil Questionnaires, Celebration Assemblies, Sports Festivals and events.
• Organise visits to democratic establishments e.g. County Hall for debates.
• Hold ‘mock elections’ so pupils learn how to argue and defend points of view e.g. when electing representatives for each class when appointing House Captains to work in school. 
•  Help pupils to express their views e.g. through English lessons (Persuasive Writing) and opportunities to present work and opinions in Speaking and Listening lessons and activities e.g. Time to Shine or Show and Tell.
• Model how perceived injustice can be peacefully challenged e.g. through our interactions with pupils and the school’s behaviour system and discussing scenarios in assemblies and class PHSE work.

The Rule of Law

• Ensure school rules and expectations are clear and fair e.g. by discussing these with pupils and establishing classroom rules with the pupils themselves.
• Help pupils to distinguish right from wrong e.g. during everyday interactions and discussions of stories, fables and other literary materials.
• Help pupils to respect the law and the basis on which it is made e.g. by showing how rules help everyone to interact in an orderly and fair manner and protect the vulnerable in society.
• Help pupils to understand that living under the rule of law protects individuals
• Include visits from the police in the curriculum e.g. have sessions with the Community Police Officers and visits from the Fire Service.
• Teach pupils aspects of both civil and criminal law and discuss how this might differ from some religious laws.
• Develop approaches focused on fairness and justice to resolve conflicts e.g. as part of sanctions in our approach to behaviour.

Individual Liberty

• Support pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence e.g. through all areas of teaching and learning in school.
• Challenge stereotypes e.g. through SMSC/PHSE work and assemblies.
• Implement a strong anti-bullying culture – as enshrined in our policies for Anti-Bullying and Behaviour.