The Department for Education has recently reinforced the 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.”

The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy and these values have been reiterated by the Prime Minister this year. 

St Mary’s CE (Aided) Primary School is committed to serving the community of Pulborough and surrounding areas. It recognizes the multi-cultural, multi-faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom, and therefore those it serves. It also understands the vital role it has in ensuring that groups or individuals within the school are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly or illegally influence them.

The school, as a Church School, accepts admissions from all those entitled to an education under British law, including pupils of all faiths or none. It follows the policies outlined by its governing body regarding equal opportunities, which guarantee that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or similar. It seeks to serve all in the community.

The Government emphasizes that schools are required to ensure that key ‘British Values’ are taught in all UK schools. These values are:-

Democracy: What do we do? 

•          Class voting for school Council (from YR to Y6)
•          Class voting for Eco Council (From YR to Y6)
•          Election of Head Boy/Head Girl
•          Pupil questionnaires to seek opinions that then make change
•          Elections of officers and prefects
•          Help pupils to express their views
•          Model how perceived injustice can be challenged (link to Bible stories)
•          Class opportunities to vote
•          Debating issues (verbally with our oracy project and in writing)

The Rule of Law:  What do we do?

The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout the school day, as well as in:

•          School assemblies/worship
•          Dealing with behaviour
•          School Rules - Rewards and Consequences - expectations are clear
•          Class charters in all classrooms
•          Police Liaison Officer
•          Romans – Curriculum Y3
•          Bikeability and rules of the road
•          Help children distinguish right from wrong
•          Annual visit from the police regarding Kinfe Crime

Respect and Tolerance: What do we do? 

•          RE curriculum covers - Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Sikhism and Hinduism
•          Values vines covering respect
•          Challenge prejudice or discriminatory behaviour
•          Black History Month with Black Lives Matter 
•          Behaviour Policy
•          Just Different (Biannually)
•          Spanish Culture through MFL
•          Visitors to school – e.g. Paralympian
•          Just Enough UK on Inclusion of all
•          Visits to other places of worship
•          Our RE scheme on Understanding Christianity and Emmanuel Project - children have a good understanding of a range of religious beliefs and customs
•          RHE curriculum
•          Oracy project to help children challenge others in a respectful way

Liberty: What do we do?

•          Model freedom of speech through pupil participation of ALL pupils
•          Help pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence
•          E-Safety/RHE curriculum
•          Challenge stereotypes
•          Strong antibullying culture starting with Anti-bullying week in November
•          E-safety units of work in our Purple Mash curriculum - staff and parent training around this as well
•          Use of good texts in English that address these themes

Cultural Traditions

•          English Curriculum
•          Organise visits or visitors (visit to Synagogue, Imam visit)
•          Curriculum diversity with texts and new themes
•          Class names linked to countries
•          Spanish Curriculum
•          Celebrating events in the British calendar, eg Remembrance Day, Christmas

By the time children leave St Mary's CofE (Aided) Primary School, they should have:

• an understanding of how citizens can influence decision-making through the democratic process;

• an appreciation that living under the rule of law protects individual citizens and is essential for their well-being and safety;

• an understanding that the freedom to choose and hold other faiths and beliefs is protected in law;

• an acceptance that other people having different faiths or beliefs to oneself (or having none) should be accepted and tolerated and should not be the cause of prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour; 

• an understanding of the importance of identifying and combating discrimination.