Promoting British Values
At Park and Parkwall Federation, we are committed to preparing our children for life in modern Britain. We actively promote the fundamental British values of:
- Democracy
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs
These values are woven through our curriculum, assemblies, PSHE education, wider opportunities and the everyday life of our schools. They complement our federation values of Aspiration, Collaboration, Resilience and Responsibility and help our children become respectful, responsible and active members of their communities.
Democracy
We help children understand that their views matter and that they can contribute positively to their school and wider community.
Children have regular opportunities to express their opinions and influence school life through pupil voice, class discussions, surveys and our School Councils. Representatives are chosen democratically, helping children understand voting, representation and collective decision-making.
Within lessons, children are encouraged to listen to different viewpoints, discuss ideas respectfully and understand that people may hold opinions that differ from their own.
The Rule of Law
Children learn why rules and laws are important in creating safe, fair and respectful communities.
Our clear expectations for behaviour help children understand their responsibilities and the consequences of their actions. Through PSHE, assemblies and the wider curriculum, children explore why societies need laws and how these protect people’s rights and safety.
We teach children to distinguish between right and wrong, take responsibility for their behaviour and understand that rules apply to everyone.
Individual Liberty
We want our children to develop confidence, independence and the ability to make informed choices.
Within a safe and supportive environment, children are encouraged to express themselves, pursue their interests and make choices about their learning and participation in school life.
Children learn about their rights and responsibilities and how to exercise their freedoms safely and responsibly. This includes learning about personal safety, relationships and online safety.
We encourage children to develop their own identity while respecting the rights and choices of others.
Mutual Respect and Tolerance
Respect is central to life at Park and Parkwall. We teach children to value others and recognise that our differences enrich our school communities.
Through our curriculum, assemblies, PSHE and wider experiences, children learn about different cultures, religions, beliefs, families and ways of life. They are encouraged to ask questions, challenge stereotypes and develop an understanding of the diverse society in which they live.
Children learn about the protected characteristics and understand the importance of treating everyone fairly and with dignity and respect.
Discrimination, prejudice and discriminatory language are challenged. When incidents occur, they are addressed appropriately and used as opportunities for education, reflection and learning.
British Values Across Our Curriculum
British Values are not taught as a stand-alone topic. They are embedded across school life and particularly through:
- PSHE and Relationships Education – rights, responsibilities, relationships, identity, equality and making safe choices.
- Religious Education – developing knowledge and understanding of different religions, beliefs and worldviews.
- History – exploring democracy, society, rights and how Britain has changed over time.
- English – encountering a diverse range of characters, cultures, experiences and viewpoints through literature and discussion.
- Assemblies – exploring values, current issues, equality, respect and our responsibilities towards others.
- Pupil leadership and pupil voice – giving children meaningful opportunities to contribute to decisions about their schools.
Preparing Children for Life in Modern Britain
Our aim is for children to leave Park and Parkwall as confident, compassionate and responsible young people who understand that they have both rights and responsibilities.
We want our children to be curious about the world, respectful of difference, confident in expressing their views and able to challenge discrimination and prejudice appropriately.
Through promoting British Values alongside our federation values of Aspiration, Collaboration, Resilience and Responsibility, we help every child develop the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours they need to participate positively in modern Britain.
These are the powerpoints we have shared with children recently in assembly.
Â