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.

Promoting British Values

The Department for Education states that there is a need 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.’

At Brooklands Primary School, we ensure that, through our school vision, values, rules, curriculum and teaching, we promote tolerance and respect for all cultures, faiths and lifestyles. We have a duty to prepare our children for life in modern Britain and to keep them safe. On a general level, the school undertakes daily assemblies which uphold traditional values of empathy, respect and tolerance. These are also taught within formal PSHE, and RE lessons and in an informal nature across the whole curriculum and throughout the whole school.

DEMOCRACY

Democracy is clearly evident within our school. Pupil voice is a crucial part of our ethos and we are proud to ensure ALL children’s voices are heard through our School council. Representatives are elected by their peers to act as a voice for the members of their year group and to communicate pupil views to staff, parents and governors, making sure their voice is heard.  Our school behaviour policy involves rewards, which the pupils have discussed.

THE RULE OF LAW

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout the school, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. 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 are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service, etc. are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message.

INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY

Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school, we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make choices safely, through provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advise on how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons.

MUTUAL RESPECT

Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy revolves around core values such as ‘Respect’, and it is also one of our school values. Pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown. These ideas are reiterated through the school and classroom rules, as well as our behaviour policy. Additional learning support is given to individual children to help develop self-esteem and the concept of respect.

TOLERANCE OF THOSE OF DIFFERENT FAITHS AND BELIEFS

This is achieved through enhancing pupils' understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity.