Democracy

We encourage democracy at every opportunity, with all children being provided with opportunities for their voice to be heard. For example, we have a successful pupil council, who meet regularly to discuss how to improve school life. The council members, representing every year group, are voted in by their class and able to genuinely effect change. Pupils also learn how democratic processes influence decision-making within the classroom, school and wider society.

As a result, pupils understand the importance of having a voice and feel confident contributing to decisions that affect school life.

Rule of Law

The importance of rules; whether they are those that govern the class, the school, or the country; are consistently reinforced throughout the school day, as well as when dealing with behaviour. Children are also taught the reasons and value behind such laws. As they grow older, they learn how laws govern and protect us, the responsibilities this involves and the consequences when they are broken. 

As a result, pupils understand the purpose of rules and demonstrate positive behaviour and respect for others.

Individual Liberty

At Whitemoor, pupils are able to make independent decisions, knowing that they do so in a safe, secure and supportive environment. We allow them to make informed choices due to the broad and balanced curriculum offer they receive. Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms, and are advised how to exercise these appropriately (for example, as part of PSHE Education). 

As a result, pupils develop confidence, resilience and the ability to make safe and informed choices. 

Mutual Respect and Tolerance

Respect and tolerance sit at the core of our 'Be Your Best Self' ethos and are modelled by pupils and staff alike. Our school embraces equality and diversity, as evidenced by our inclusive classrooms and learning environments. Furthermore, we aim to build a culture where children engage in constructive disagreement and are able to challenge assumptions. It is taught throughout the curriculum (for example, we cover the concept of ‘fair play’ in PE and Sport). Also, as a school situated in a diverse community, we are committed to celebrating different beliefs and faiths. Our RE curriculum, together with a wealth of off-site visits, provides exposure to a wide range of religions and cultures. 

As a result, pupils demonstrate respectful attitudes and positive relationships with those from different backgrounds and beliefs.

The Role of Picture News 

This approach complements the above, ensuring British Values are embedded consistently across school life.

Picture News assemblies make a strong contribution to pupils’ personal development at Whitemoor, supporting a secure and progressive understanding of British Values. Through weekly assemblies, focused on current affairs, pupils develop an age-appropriate awareness of local, national and global issues, helping them to understand the world in which they live.

Assemblies provide regular opportunities for explicit teaching and whole-school reflection on democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance. British Values are revisited consistently, ensuring pupils can make meaningful links between real-life events, their learning and their own experiences.

High-quality, inclusive discussion is central to Picture News assemblies. Pupils are encouraged to ask questions, express their views confidently, listen respectfully to others and engage in constructive challenge. 

Following these assemblies, all pupils are given the opportunity to respond in writing to the ‘Big Question’, which encourages deeper reflection on the news story and its links to British Values. This provides a structured opportunity for pupils to articulate their views, justify opinions and consider different perspectives. Particularly thoughtful and well-reasoned responses are displayed in the school hall for all to see. This celebrates pupil voice, promotes high expectations for reflection and encourages pupils to engage thoughtfully with the ideas of others.

Picture News resources promote equality, diversity and respect by exposing pupils to a wide range of perspectives, beliefs and lived experiences. Pupils are supported to develop empathy, cultural awareness and an understanding of difference. 

Through regular engagement with current affairs, pupils develop a growing understanding of their role within society. They learn how democratic processes, rules and laws influence everyday life and why they are important.