British Values at Woodhouse West

Promoting Fundamental British Values

In accordance with The Department for Education, we aim to actively promote British values in schools to ensure young people leave school prepared for life in modern Britain. Pupils are encouraged to regard people of all faiths, races and cultures with respect and tolerance and understand that while different people may hold different views about what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, all people living in England are subject to its law.

Our school's core values work in harmony with our British Values, and through our work on developing both aspects of children's personal values-set, we encourage pupils to consider them together.

The Key British Values are:

• democracy
• rule of law
• individual liberty
• mutual respect
• tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

How this is done at Woodhouse West Primary:

• Actively promoting British values through

- Challenging pupils, staff or parents who express opinions contrary to British values.

- Modelling values through what we say and do.

- Teaching British Values explicitly and implicitly through our curriculum and Collective Worship.

Democracy – what do we do?

• Provide pupils with a broad general knowledge of, and promote respect for, public institutions and services.
• Teach pupils how they can influence decision-making through the democratic process.
• Include in the curriculum information on the advantages and disadvantages of democracy and how it works in Britain.
• Teach pupils the history of democracy, such as through topics such as Ancient Greece, WW2, Vikings and Saxons.
• Encourage pupils to become involved in decision-making processes and ensure they are listened to in school, such as through the School Council.
• Hold ‘mock elections’ so pupils learn how to argue and defend points of view (KS2).
• Model how perceived injustice can be peacefully challenged.
• PSHE sessions

Rule of law – what do we do?

• Ensure school values and expectations are clear and fair.
• Classroom Code of Conduct, linked to our school's core values.
• Use of praise and reward to promote positive consequences.
• Use of sanction to encourage pupils to take ownership of own behaviour.
• Help pupils to distinguish right from wrong.
• Help pupils to respect the law and the basis on which it is made.
• Help pupils to understand that living under the rule of law protects individuals.
• Include visits from the police across the year.

Individual liberty – what do we do?

• Support pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence
• Strong focus on pupils developing own self-discipline by replacing rules with values - supporting children to adopt them independently.
• Encourage pupils to take responsibility for their behaviour, as well as knowing their rights.
• Model freedom of speech through pupil participation, while ensuring protection of vulnerable pupils and promoting critical analysis of evidence.
• Challenge stereotypes.
• Implement a strong anti-bullying culture
• E-Safety lessons through school

Respect and tolerance – what do we do?

• Promote respect for individual differences.
• Help pupils to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life, particularly through RE curriculum
• Challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour.
• Organise visits to places of worship.
• Develop links with faith and other communities through RE and working alongside children and their families.
• Learning to disagree in a respectful way.
• Develop critical personal thinking skills.

SMSC at Woodhouse West

What is SMSC?

SMSC stands for spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. All schools in England must show how well their pupils develop in SMSC. As part of work in this area, it meets Article 2 for the Rights of the Child where they apply to every child without discrimination.

Spiritual: Explore beliefs and experience; respect faiths, feelings and values; enjoy learning about oneself, others and the surrounding world; use imagination and creativity; reflect.

Moral: Recognise right and wrong; respect the law; understand consequences; investigate moral and ethical issues; offer reasoned views and have an appreciation of British Values.

Social: Investigate and moral issues; appreciate diverse viewpoints; participate, volunteer and cooperate; resolve conflict; engage with the fundamental values of British democracy.

Cultural: Appreciate cultural influences; appreciate the role of Britain's parliamentary system; participate in culture opportunities; understand, accept, respect and celebrate diversity.