British Values

At Surrey Street Primary School, we value the diversity of the backgrounds of all pupils, families and the wider school community and strongly believe in upholding British values through all aspects of our school provision.

Our school reflects British values in all that we do.  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 wider world.

What is meant by British values?

Learning about British values forms a key part of children's spiritual, moral, cultural and social education which is embedded within our school ethos.  The five British values that the Government has identified for schools to focus on are:

Democracy,

The rule of law,

Individual liberty,

Mutual respect & Tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs

How should we help our children prepare for adult life as citizens of Britain?

• Develop their self-confidence and self-esteem
• Develop their understanding of right and wrong, and their respect for the law
• Encourage them to take responsibility for their behaviour
• Encourage involvement in the community and wider society
• Promote tolerance of and respect for all cultures and faiths
• Encourage participation in the democratic process

How does our school develop children's understanding of British values?

We uphold the British value of Democracy by:

• Facilitating a democratic process for electing school 'House Captains'
• Taking turns in class, at dinner time and in after school clubs

We uphold the British value of the Rule of Law by:

• Implementing our school and class charters which have clear and agreed statements, and ensuring that the children know their own right and respect the rights of others.
• Teaching children to learn about the process of law-making and the part that citizens can play in that process.
• Implementing our procedures and protocols for dealing with any behavioural or bullying issues and the very rare incidents of racial, homophobic and other forms of discrimination, which demonstrates to pupils that we take these issues very seriously, mirroring the attitudes of British society.

We uphold the British value of individual liberty and work to identify and combat discrimination by:

• Teaching an understanding of the concept of freedom and choice.
• Teaching our RE curriculum, which inculcates values of understanding, tolerance and respect for others, including those of other faiths.
• Providing our extra-curricular provisions, which offers equal opportunities for all children, boys and girls, and children with Special Educational Needs in sport and other areas.
• Holding discussions in RE, English and other subjects, which allow children to develop respect for the opinions, values and beliefs of others.

Through our events, collective worship & assemblies and wider curriculum experiences we:

• Celebrate many British festivals and special events, e.g. Remembrance Day, November 5th, Pride, Christmas, Easter, World Book Day, Children in Need, Red Nose Day etc.
• Regularly inviting representatives from various groups, such as Police, charities and the local church to visit our school and talk to the children in both lessons and assemblies.
• Visits to the local Church, Mosque, Gudwara as well as local and national museums and key historical points of interest.

In all our provisions, both academic and otherwise, we endeavour for our school community to develop an understanding of British values and a strong desire to uphold them both now and as future British citizens.

Democracy

In this country, we have democratic rights to allow everyone to have their voice heard and to share their opinions on important matters. Democracy means that we all have a chance to vote for a Prime Minister and Government, and that we can express our views on how the country runs. Democracy is the fairest way to make sure everyone is included.

At Surrey Street Primary School, we ensure that pupils are given a ‘voice’ and can share in the democratic process. Children are involved annually in voting for their house captains and termly in voting for their class captains. All children are involved in class meetings where they discuss things that are important to them.  Outcomes from these meetings feed into house meetings, which are part of our school’s democratic decision-making process.

The Rule of Law

We all live by and respect the same laws. These keep us safe and are rules for everyone to make our world fair.

At Surrey Street Primary School, children learn about ways of behaviour which are acceptable to the school and the wider community. Children are helped to manage their behaviour and to take responsibility for their actions. Through consistent application of our behaviour policy, children are provided with an environment which helps them to feel safe and secure; this in turn promotes the optimum conditions for learning to take place.

Individual Liberty

We all have the right to be free people and make our own choices about our lives. Any choices we do make should be thought through carefully and we should consider the effect they might have on other people. Individual Liberty is something that makes our country special and great.

At Surrey Street Primary, the children are encouraged to become good and valued citizens. We do this by helping every child to become as independent as possible and to take responsibility for their own learning. Some children take on particular roles, such as house captains, class captains, sports team captains, playleaders or class monitors. They learn that with the rights given to them to perform their roles, there also comes a level of responsibility.

Mutual Respect

Everyone should learn to value the people around them and to appreciate that everyone is different.

At Surrey Street Primary School, everyone is encouraged to support each other and to show each other respect, regardless of ability, gender, heritage or race. One of our school rules, which is embedded in our behaviour policy is ‘to show good manners at all times’.

We also show respect to those in the wider community through our regular charity fundraising.

Through extra-curricular clubs and activities, children are also give more freedom to make choices. 

Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs

Surrey Street Primary School serves a multi-faith community in which everyone is respected and our similarities and differences are celebrated. We enhance children’s understanding of different faiths and beliefs through R.E., P.S.H.E., assemblies, visitors and external visits. Children are encouraged to share with each other the important of their faith and beliefs to them.