Promoting Fundamental British Values

At Sturton by Stow Primary School we recognise, promote and teach Modern British Values through our curriculum and enrichment activities which are interwoven into our everyday timetables.

We value and celebrate the diverse heritages of everybody at Sturton by Stow Primary School.

Alongside this, we value and celebrate being part of Britain today. This includes taking part in traditions and customs in the course of the year, for example, Remembrance Day.

DfE definition (2014) ‘Schools should 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’

This involves:

• An understanding as to how citizens can influence decision-making through the democratic process

· An understanding that participation in elections by those opposed to democracy should be allowed by law, but the success of such candidates is undesirable for the well-being of society if it would lead to the end of democracy

· An understanding that bodies such as the police and the army can be held to account by the people, through the democratic organs of government

• An understanding that the freedom to hold other faiths and beliefs is protected in law, and an acceptance that other people having different faiths or beliefs to oneself (or having none) should not be the cause of prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour

Rules & Laws

We have a collectively agreed set of ‘Rainbow Rules’ linked to our core values of learning, caring, friendship, respect and aiming high.

The importance of rules and laws, whether they are those that govern our school or our country, are referred to and reinforced often.  This may be in assemblies or through the wide range of topics that make up our curriculum.

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.

We have Year 5 prefects who help to encourage pupils to make the rights choices and to follow our rules.

Democracy

Pupils, parents and staff have many opportunities for their voices to be heard at Sturton by Stow Primary School. Democracy is central to how we operate.

We have an active School Council which meets regularly to discuss issues raised by the different classes and to suggest improvements to our school.

The election of the School Council members reflects our British electoral system and demonstrates democracy in action.  Potential candidates make speeches, pupils consider the characteristics important for an elected representative and pupils vote in secret.

The School Council is made up of two representatives from each class.

Individual Liberty

Alongside rules and laws, we promote freedom of choice and the right to respectfully express views and beliefs. Through the provision of a safe, supportive environment and empowering education, we provide boundaries for our pupils to make choices safely.

Tolerance

Our pupils know and understand that it is expected and imperative that respect is shown to everyone, whatever differences we may have, and to everything, whether it is a school resource, a religious belief or whatever. Children learn that their behaviour choices have an effect on their own rights and those of others.  All members of the school community are expected to treat each other with respect at all times.

Extremism

This is something which is clearly not part of any British or European value.  It is important to remember that whilst the threat from so-called Islamic State has been a focus in the Counter Terrorism and Security Act, the Prevent Duty is clear that extremism of all kinds should be tackled too.