Promoting British Values in St Luke’s School
The Department for Education has recently stated that it expects ‘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.’
At St Luke’s Primary School our values are reinforced regularly in the following ways:
Home
British Values
Mutual respect
Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. Members of the school community care for each other and seek the welfare of all.
Democracy
St Luke’s has its own pupil parliament with a prime minister, deputy and chancellor. These pupils attend cluster meetings with other schools in the area. The ministers are elected by the whole school using traditional democratic measures: hustings, a campaign period and a secret ballot. The rest of the parliament is elected by each class. The children explore leadership and democracy through many curriculum areas including religious education and personal, social and health education (PSHE). In English and Computing we look at the power of speeches and images to sway people and influence opinion.
The importance of rules
The importance of rules, whether they be those that govern groups, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout school life. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules as ways that protect us and those we live and work alongside. We emphasise the responsibilities and the consequences when rules and laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help reinforce this message.
Individual liberty and mutual responsibility
Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate children about making decisions and provide boundaries for young pupils to make choices safely. Pupils are encouraged to know and understand their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these responsibly and safely, for example through our e-safety and PSHE lessons. Pupils learn how to express, resolve and respect disagreements, and also about mutual responsibility and caring for others even when we may not share their views. They are also taught that with choice comes responsibility and consequences.
Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
We place a great emphasis on promoting diversity with the children. Assemblies are regularly planned to address this issue either directly or through the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures. Our RE and PSHE teaching reinforces this. Members of different faiths are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.