British Values Statement

At Southborough Primary School we value the diversity of backgrounds of all pupils, families and the wider school community.  

The Department for Education states that there is a 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 Department for Education defines British Values as follows:

• Respect for democracy and support or participation in the democratic process
• Respect for the basis on which the law is made and applies in England
• Support for equality of opportunity for all
• Support and respect for the liberties of all within the law
• Respect for and tolerance of different faiths and religious and other beliefs

Our school reflects British values in all that we do. 

We aim to nurture our children on their journey through life so they can grow into safe, caring, democratic, responsible and tolerant adults who make a positive difference to British society and to the world.

We encourage our children to be creative, unique, open-minded and independent individuals, respectful of themselves and of others in our school, our local community and the wider world.  

Wherever possible, we take a global approach to learning by introducing themes from the perspective of other people in other countries.

The principles of the Harmony Project are embedded in our curriculum, they fully align with and promote British Values, as defined by the DfE.

• The principle of the Cycle is opportunities to embed basic skills and knowledge and find ways to deepen or improve our understanding of what we learn.
• The principle of Diversity; An understanding of how important it is to appreciate and preserve diversity in all.
• The Principle of Interdependence; A curriculum that responds to findings from pupil feedback and school data to ensure it is bespoke to their needs and reflects the ever-changing world, locally and globally
• The Principle of Adaptation; Developing resilience, perseverance, challenge and support so they have the confidence to aim high and aspire to more
• The Principle of Health; A curriculum that helps children to know how to live healthy lifestyles – both physically and mentally
• The Principle of Oneness; Spiritual, moral, social and cultural experiences threaded through all we do which will facilitate them with all they need to face the any and all futures

At Southborough Primary School we actively promote British values in the following ways;

Democracy

• House group assemblies/School Council/Eco reps - All children are encouraged to debate topics of interest, express their views and make a meaningful contribution to the running of the school on matters that directly involve pupils.  Children also have the opportunity to have their voices heard through pupil questionnaires and pupil surveys.
• The principle of democracy is explored in the curriculum as well as during assemblies and special days

Rule of Law

• Our Golden Rules promote the use of Rules and the Rule of Law.
• School rules and expectations are clear, fair and regularly promoted.
• Pupils are always helped to distinguish right from wrong, in the classroom, during assemblies and on the playground.
• Pupils are regularly reminded about their ‘Rights and Responsibilities’ and about how these are linked.
• Pupils are encouraged to respect the law.
• Our behaviour policy sets out our expectations and sanctions and to set boundaries so that everyone in our community understands the importance of following our rules.

Individual liberty

• Within school, pupils are actively encouraged, and given the freedom to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment.
• Pupils are supported to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence.
• Respect is the key of our Golden Rules, and respect for yourself is promoted as a goal throughout the school.
• Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their behaviour and our pastoral support reinforces the importance of making the right choices.
• Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely.
• Vulnerable pupils are protected and stereotypes challenged.  A strong anti-bullying culture is embedded in the school and any form of bullying is challenged and addressed.  The school also operates a robust system of logging incidents.
• Pupils have key roles and responsibilities in school e.g. playground leaders, school council representatives in each class.

Mutual Respect and Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs

• Respect is one of the core values of our school, and is key to our Golden Rules.  Pupils know and understand that it is expected that respect is shown to our community, our friends and ourselves.
• Pupils are helped to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life.
• Staff and pupils are encouraged to challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour.
• Links and visits are promoted with local faith communities and places of worship. e.g. Members of different faiths or religions are invited to school to share their knowledge and enhance learning within assemblies and in class.
• Through the PSHE and RE curriculums pupils are encouraged to discuss and respect differences between people such as differences of faith, ethnicity, disability, gender or sexuality and differences of family situations.
• We offer a culturally rich and diverse curriculum in which all major religions are studied and respected and global dimension work is embedded in many of our humanities topics and discrete language lessons. These curriculum topics offer children the chance to reflect on our core values and British values.