British Values
Schools have a duty to promote British Values. This includes:
- Democracy
- Rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs
We are very aware that our children are young and will develop an understanding of these values over time.
- We start gradually with the rules in Year R
- In Year 1 and 2 children are introduced to wider themes through the curriculum and through assemblies
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How we teach British Values to our Infant children
Democracy Britain is a democracy – this means that people vote to choose who they want to run the country and make the laws. If we didn’t have a democracy then just one person could take over everything and make all the decisions and that wouldn’t be fair. At school we vote for the school council who help make to make Priory even better. |
• How do we take account of everyone’s ideas at school? • What would it be like if just one person was in charge of everything – what might happen? • In a democracy if people don’t like what’s happening they can change it by voting for someone new. • Make sure the children know what the school council is working on – and that they all have a voice in decision making |
Individual Liberty In Britain as long as we do not break the law we can live as we choose and have our own opinions about things. Everyone is equal and has the same opportunities. At school as long as we keep the Golden Rules we can choose what we do during Golden Time. |
Think about children all liking different things eg. Star Wars and Frozen. What would happen if people weren’t allowed to like Frozen any more? What would the world be like if everyone was the same? • What would it be like if girls were allowed to go out to play but boys weren’t? • How would you feel if you weren’t allowed to say how you felt? • As long as your ideas, opinions and actions don’t hurt anyone else or break the rules/ law you can say and do what you want. |
Mutual respect We might not always agree with other people but we show respect for their thoughts and feelings. We can tell them what we agree with and what we don’t agree with. We can have a discussion about it. At school we listen to each other and try to be friendly and kind even if we disagree. |
It’s okay to have a different idea or opinion from other people – we are all different and like different things. Everyone’s ideas should be listened to – but you don’t have to agree. • Through Circle Time we teach children the vocabulary of “ I have listened to what you said but I think…” or “I disagree with your opinion because…” • Think about a time when they have disagreed /argued? What happened? What did they say? Do? |
Tolerance In Britain we accept that people are different and have different beliefs and religions. At school we like to learn all about other people and their beliefs and celebrations. |
• RE curriculum • Use multicultural books and resources in topic work and don’t give the “stereotypical” view eg. everyone in Africa is starving (they are not!) • Assembly themes compare different religions and celebrations eg. Harvest and Sukkot and Eid; Christmas and Hannukah and Diwali |
How we teach British Values to our Infant children