British values in our curriculum

We agree with the Department for Education’s five part definition of British Values:

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

At Clyst St Mary Primary School you will find that these values permeate our everyday school life. This is how we frame our response to these values:

Democracy: Pupil voice is very important at Clyst St Mary School. We have a school council elected by their class peers who are involved in making Clyst St Mary School the best place to learn. We use Pupil questionnaires and interviews to find out what the children think and feel about things like homework, pastoral care, peer mentoring etc. Giving a sense of ownership to the children encourages them to use their voice whilst understanding the role of democracy in school and so within the context of our society.

The Rule of Law: Children already encounter rules and laws in their lives both in and outside of school. We ensure that they understand that whether these laws govern the class, the school, the neighbourhood or the country, they are set for good reasons and must be adhered to. This understanding of the importance of rules is consistently reinforced through assemblies and our curriculum. The involvement of our pupils in the creation of the school rules helps them to understand the reasons behind rules and the consequences if rules are broken. Through philosophical enquiry in PSHE and citizenship lessons, we give the children opportunites to debate and discuss the reasons for laws so that they can recognise the importance of these for their own protection.

Individual Liberty: We have a very positive culture in our school, where children feel safe and where they feel that they have a choice. In lessons, learning tasks are often left for the child to decide upon. We encourage children to choose the task that will challenge them, giving them more freedom to determine their own learning. We offer a range of clubs which pupils have the freedom to choose from, based on their interests. Through our E-Safety, philosophy and PSHE sessions, we educate children on their rights and personal freedoms as well as supporting them in recognising how to exercise these freedoms safely.

Mutual Respect: This is a key element to our school ethos and it is expected that children show respect to the staff and to their fellow pupils. All adults in school model respect and encourage the children to see ‘the other point view’. Respect is not subject to race, religion, ability or disability: our children are expected to understand that these are not reasons to treat someone differently and consequently incidents of bullying are very rare.

Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs: We have several families from different cultures and faith backgrounds - we respect and celebrate these. We offer a culturally rich and diverse curriculum in which all major religions are studied and respected and parents and leaders of different faiths are welcomed to the school to share their beliefs. We take the children to visit places of worship for different faiths and we believe that tolerance is gained through knowledge and understanding. Through the routines of our daily school life, and through the curriculum, we aim to demonstrate tolerance, and help our children to become citizens with an understanding and tolerance of all faiths and beliefs.

How we show our BIritsh Values throughout the year: