Promoting 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 the Prime Minister reiterated these values in 2014.
At Dorchester, St Birinus C of E Primary School we take our responsibility to prepare children for life in modern Britain very seriously. We ensure that the fundamental British Values are promoted through our school vision and values, our curriculum provides a vehicle for furthering understanding of these concepts and, in particular, our values based collective worship, RE, PSHE and Citizenship lessons provide excellent opportunities to deepen and develop understanding. Each British Value is linked to a key Christian text:
British Value | Key Christian Text: |
Democracy: | For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self control. 2 Timothy 1:7 |
Role of Law: | Whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8 |
Individual Liberty: | Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of the varied grace of God. 1 Peter 4:10 |
Mutual Respect: | Treat others just as you want to be treated. Luke 6:31 |
Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs: | Treat others just as you want to be treated. Luke 6:31 |
British Value | Statement | How do we promote it? |
DEMOCRACY
Link to school / worship values: RESPECT TRUST HONESTY BELONGING |
The children at Dorchester, St Birinus C of E Primary see democracy borne out in a variety of ways and recognise this as being an essential component of successful team working.
Democracy is embedded at our school. Pupils are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and respect the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard. |
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THE RULE OF LAW
Links to school / worship values: RESPECT JUSTICE HONESTY |
The children at Dorchester, St Birinus Primary are familiar with this concept through the philosophy that infuses the entire work of the school.
The importance of rules, or laws, is constantly reinforced during lessons, break times, lunchtimes and Worship. Rules include School rules and rules that govern the country. |
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INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY
Links with school / worship values: RESPECT HOPE COURAGE COMPASSION TRUST
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The children at Dorchester, St Birinus Primary are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment.
Our teaching and learning philosophy places emphasis on the right to have our own thoughts and evidence based views.
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MUTUAL RESPECT
Links with school / worship values: RESPECT TRUTHFULNESS TRUST COMPASSION FRIENDSHIP |
Respect is a fundamental school value at Dorchester, St Birinus Primary School, around which pivots much of the work of the school.
Respect is discussed deeply, starting with self-respect and covering respect for family, friends, and other groups, the world and its people, and the environment. |
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TOLERANCE OF DIFFERENT FAITHS AND BELIEFS
Links with school values: RESPECT FRIENDSHIP PEACE COMPASSION FORGIVENESS TRUST
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This is achieved at Dorchester, St Birinus C of E Primary School through enhancing pupils understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. |
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