British Values
British Values
The Department for Education state that there is a 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 by the Prime Minister in 2014. At St Philip’s these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy
Democracy is embedded at the school. Pupils are listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and with concern to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard. Pupils also have the opportunity to air their opinions and ideas through our School Council. The elections of the School Council members are based solely on pupil votes, reflecting our British electoral system and demonstrating democracy in action.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced through our school day, through our school assemblies and also when dealing with behaviour in school. We encourage our pupils to distinguish right from wrong and help pupils to understand that living under the rule of law protects individuals. Our pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from the Police, Fire Service etc also help to reinforce our messages. Our restorative justice approach helps us to resolve conflicts, empathise with victims and prevent reoccurrence.
Individual Liberty
Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for our pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and an empowering education. We support pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence. Our pupils are encouraged to know, understand, and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely: examples of this can be clearly seen in our e-safety, PSHE and wellbeing lessons. We implement a strong anti-bullying culture.
Mutual Respect
At the heart of our school ethos is a commitment to a set of core values that we believe contribute to individuals being able to live happy and successful lives within the communities to which they belong. Reflection themes are chosen to underpin the need for mutual respect between our pupils and their peers, staff their families and their wider community. Our values are taught through assemblies, PSHE, reflection and wellbeing lessons and form a key part of our daily dialogue across school. Respect is promoted across the school and it is deeply embedded in all that we do at school. The pupils know and understand that it is expected and imperative that respect is shown to everyone, whatever differences we may have and to everything, however big or small. Our children are given regular opportunities to learn within their community and beyond. We have links with Manchester Metropolitan University, local businesses, libraries and football teams. A very wide range of extra-curricular clubs are offered after the school day. These clubs provide another opportunity for mutual respect to be secured in the attitudes of our pupils.
Tolerance of These With Different Faiths and Beliefs
Our core value of respect ensures tolerance of those who have different faiths and beliefs. We are a welcoming school for all faiths, cultures and nationalities.
See Collective Worship Policy for further information.
