Promoting British Values

The Department for Education state that there is a need “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to 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.”

At Gatcombe Park Primary school these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways.

Democracy
Democracy is embedded in the school life. Pupils are listened to by adults and are taught to listen to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard. Pupils also have the opportunity to air their opinions and ideas through our House Captains who are elected solely on pupil votes and so demonstrates democracy in action.

The Rule of Law
At the start of each school year each class agree a set of class rules and these with school rules are consistently reinforced. Children are taught that with rights come responsibilities. The school behaviour for learning policy clearly sets out the expectations and the consequences if wrong choices are made.

Individual Liberty
Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices and it is part of our role to educate children to make safe choices. This is demonstrated for example by our PSHE work and through learning on e-safety.
We also offer a range of extra-curricular sports and other activities the children can choose to attend.

Mutual Respect
Respect is one of the core values of our school and underpins our work every day both in and out of the classroom. This is promoted in many ways for example through our assemblies where questions are posed and discussed like “How can we show respect for others?”

Tolerance of Those With Different Faiths And Beliefs
Our core value of respect ensures tolerance of those who have different faiths and beliefs. We enhance pupils understanding of different faiths and beliefs through religious education studies and Assemblies. In curriculum units, such as studies on invaders and settlers, we promote the fact that Britain has always been a mix of races and cultures and that this is a strength.