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How do we teach British values?

What are ‘fundamental British values’?

Schools are required to provide for the spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development of their pupils. As part of this requirement, we are expected to actively promote fundamental British values.

The government defines these as:

  • Democracy
  • The rule of law
  • Individual liberty
  • Mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs

What does this look like in school?

The values are reflected throughout our school, including in our ethos, practices  and assemblies. Children also engage with the values through the curriculum in ways that are suitable for their age and context.

For example, in some subjects there are opportunities to think about traditions from different cultures and religions. In the early years it may involve something as simple as sharing and taking turns; listening to one another and learning to be a good friend.

Extracurricular activities such as games and sporting events teach children about the importance of rules. Pupil votes (e.g. for their School Council representatives), questionnaires and class discussions are other ways that children can have their voices heard and learn about democracy.

Our duty to actively promote fundamental British values means that we always present political views to children in a balanced way. We are also responsible for challenging prejudiced or extreme opinions and behaviour. Please feel free to contact the school if you would like more information about this.

We promote British values through our assemblies.

Here is one of our Assembly Jam boards about how we show mutual respect.

We promote British values through texts in literacy. Here are some examples:

Lailah's Lunchbox: A Mentor Text Activity that Focuses on Asking  Higher-Level Questions | Crafting Connections
Year 2 Reading text
Wisp: A Story of Hope: Amazon.co.uk: Fraillon, Zana, Baker Smith, Grahame:  9781408350119: Books
Year 4 Reading text
Race to the Frozen North by Catherine Johnson - Barrington Stoke
Year 6 Reading text

Find out about the WIRE award here 

As part of a whole school diversity project, every year group learnt about a different country and its culture. The children produced different crafts to celebrate the culture they were exploring.