British Values

At St James and St John Church of England Primary School we believe in the development of the “whole child” as an individual and endeavour to encourage them to become responsible global citizens in an ever changing multi-cultural, multi-faith world.

We promote the basic British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs. We take our responsibility to prepare children for life in modern Britain seriously.

Through our Christian values of friendship, hope, perseverance, respect, honesty and forgiveness we aim for our children to be successful and fully rounded members of society who treat others with respect and tolerance, regardless of faith, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, political or financial status, or similar.

We are an equal opportunities school, working hard to ensure that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group. We also understand the vital role we play in ensuring that groups or individuals within the school are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly or illegally, influence them.

The DfE have reinforced the need: “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all school to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of people with different faiths and beliefs”.

Democracy

Democracy is when a group of people have equal rights and the freedom to choose how they are treated, rather than when one person has all the power and makes all the decisions. It can also refer to the way in which we vote for the person or group we want to represent us.

At St James and St John Church of England Primary School we teach the British value of democracy through;

• Voting for school council members
• Voting for class rewards
• Pupil voice
• Opinions of staff sought on aspects of school life
• Voice of the parent meetings
• Parental questionnaires
• Voting for House Captains
• Competitive Sports / festivals

The Rule of Law

Rule of Law means that all people and groups are ruled by the same laws, which help to keep us all safe and happy.

At St James and St John Church of England Primary School we teach the British value of rule of law through;

• School rules
• High behaviour expectations
• Classdojo reward system
• Prefect / Head Boy / Head Girl awards
• Celebration Assembly to share successes
• Jigsaw Charter (PSHE/RSE scheme)
• Internet / Online safety
• Reflection Opportunities
• Understanding rules and why they are important
• Following rules to develop and ensure order and safety

Individual Liberty

Individual Liberty is when people have the freedom to choose their faith, beliefs, likes and dislikes which are outside Government control. Individual Liberty means that each of us has the freedom to make our own choices and do what we want – within reasons. As long as we respect the other British values and the rights of others, then we are free to pursue our ambitions, to follow our own will.

At St James and St John Church of England Primary School we teach the British value of individual liberty through;

• Understanding the value or responsibility in school in terms of behaviour and attitude to learning
• School values are displayed and followed
• Collective worship and rewards linked to values
• Celebration Assembly
• Giving children choices within their learning

Mutual Respect

Mutual Respect is understanding that we all don’t share the same ideas, beliefs and values, but we respect each other all the same.

St James and St John Church of England Primary School we teach the British value of mutual respect through;

• Jigsaw PSHE covers social and emotional aspects of learning
• Positive relationships encouraged and modelled by all
• Collective worship and R.E. curriculum – places of worship visits and visitors to school
• Sense of community – local (care homes, funeral directors) and charity work
• Learning about English heritage - Stowe
• Online safety rules
• Competitive sports
• Treating others as you want to be treated
• Manners and politeness
• Working together as a team
• Zones of regulation

Tolerance of others with different faiths and beliefs

Tolerance is a fair, objective and permissive attitude to those whose faith and beliefs may differ from one’s own.

At St James and St John Church of England Primary School we teach the British value of tolerance through;

• Collective worship and R.E. curriculum – places of worship visits and visitors to school

• Equalities Policy
• Accessibility Plan
• Festival Assemblies and special days (Holi, Easter…)
• Multi-cultural resources to support learning
• Listen to others viewpoints
• Learning about diversity and equality
• Looking after our school and community