Fundamental British Values
The DfE have reinforced the 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 Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values were reiterated in 2014. These values are nothing new to Trinity. They have been an embedded part of our learning for many years.
Below are some examples of how children learn about Fundamental British Values at Trinity.
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
- Encourage pupils to become involved in decision-making processes and ensure they are listened to in school
- Organise visits to the local council and Parliament
- Hold ‘mock elections’ so pupils learn how to argue and defend points of view
- Help pupils to express their views
- Teach pupils how public services operate and how they are held to account
- Model how perceived injustice can be peacefully challenged
- From 2020 onwards, the school council have organised an annual ‘Headteacher for the Day’ campaign where children from Year 6 are given the opportunity to create a bid to become headteacher. They create a manifesto and the rest of the school elect the candidate with the most effective policy and plan.
Rule of law – what do we do?
- Ensure school rules and expectations are clear and fair
- 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 in the curriculum
- Teach pupils aspects of both civil and criminal law and discuss how this might differ from some religious laws
- Develop restorative justice approaches to resolve conflicts
Individual liberty – what do we do?
- Support pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence
- 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
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
- Challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour
- Organise visits to places of worship
- Develop links with faith communities
- Develop critical personal thinking skills
- Discuss differences between people, such as differences of faith, ethnicity, disability and differences of family situations, such as looked-after children or young carer
