Teaching British Values at Woodville Schools Federation

Promoting British Values

The DfE have 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 in 2014.

At Woodville we are committed to serving our community and its surrounding areas. We recognize the multi-cultural, multi-faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom and believe we play a vital role in preparing our children for life in modern Britain.

Democracy:

Democracy is a rich element within the school. Pupils regularly have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council and Pupil Voice questionnaires. They are actively encouraged to voice their opinions in an environment where children are safe to disagree with each other. The elections of the School Council members and House Captains are based solely on pupil votes, reflecting our British electoral system and demonstrating democracy in action.

The Rule of Law:

The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced. Our set of ‘Woodville Rules’ are deeply embedded in our work every day.  Each class discusses and sets its own class charter that is clearly understood by all and seen to be necessary to ensure that every class member is able to learn in a safe and ordered environment. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws or rules are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service are a regular part of our calendar events and help reinforce this message.

Individual Liberty:

Our pupils are actively encouraged to make informed choices in the full knowledge they are in a safe and supportive environment.  Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our e-Safety teaching PSHE and RE lessons. Pupils are given the freedom to make choices, e.g. signing up for our extensive range of extra-curricular activities, by choosing the level of challenge in some lessons and becoming increasingly proactive in developing and setting their own targets.

Mutual Respect:

Mutual respect is at the heart of our ethos and values. Children learn that their behaviours have a direct effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect, which are underpinned through our behaviour policy. The first of our Woodville Rules reads: Respect each other. Values and rules are highly visible around the school and can be seen in posters, certificates and as part of our agreed codes.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:

We achieve this through the enhancement of our pupils understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society. By giving them opportunities to experience such diversity, through a range of educational visits to places of worship that are important to different faiths, while visitors of different faiths and religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes. Acts of collective worship and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying are regularly held and supported by learning across the curriculum.