Promoting Fundamental British Values

British Values play an important role at Whitemoor. We aim to actively promote them, ensuring our pupils leave school prepared for life in modern Britain. 

The key values are:

•    Democracy
•    Rule of Law
•    Individual Liberty
•    Mutual Respect and Tolerance (of those with different faiths and beliefs)

The term ‘British Values’ might be slightly misleading in that these values are integral to so many countries throughout the world.

These values underpin our 'Be Your Best Self' ethos and are promoted in so much of what we do. School assemblies, Religious Education lessons and PSHE Education lessons are some of our key drivers in this area.

As well as actively promoting British Values, the opposite also applies; we would challenge pupils, staff or parents/carers should they express opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views. This is in line with our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.

Below are just a few examples of how we teach the British Values in school:

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. Also, the relevance of laws; those that are set to govern our classrooms, the school, or indeed our country; are taught in many curriculum areas. 

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.

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 as a result of 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 through PSHE Education). 

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. Futhermore, 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.