At St Marie’s RC Primary School, we actively promote a culture of mutual respect, tolerance, democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and equality. In line with guidance from the Department for Education, we are committed to ensuring that our pupils develop a strong understanding of British values so they are well prepared for life in modern Britain.

These values are embedded throughout our curriculum and underpin our school’s ethos, supporting the development of the whole child. We encourage our pupils to show respect for people of all faiths, races, and cultures, and to understand that while individuals may hold different views, everyone in England is subject to the law.

As a school, we are proud to serve a diverse, ever-changing community. We believe it is our responsibility to promote these key values not only through our teaching, but also through our wider provision and daily life in school. In doing so, we help our children grow as respectful, responsible individuals and active citizens within their community and beyond.

How we promote British Values

Democracy

  • Provide pupils with a broad general knowledge of, and promote respect for, public institutions and services
  • Teach pupils how they can influence decision-making through the democratic process
  • Include in the curriculum information on the advantages and disadvantages of democracy and how it works in Britain
  • Encourage pupils to become involved in decision-making processes and ensure they are listened to in school
  • Hold elections so pupils learn how to argue and defend points of view
  • Help pupils to express their views
  • Teach pupils how public services operate and how they are held to account
  • Model how perceived injustice can be peacefully challenged

The Rule of Law

  • Ensure school rules and expectations are clear and fair
  • Help pupils to distinguish right from wrong
  • Help pupils to respect the law and the basis on which it is made
  • Help pupils to understand that living under the rule of law protects individuals
  • Include visits from the police in the curriculum
  • Teach pupils aspects of both civil and criminal law and discuss how this might differ from some religious laws
  • Develop restorative justice approaches to resolve conflicts

Individual Liberty

  • Support pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence
  • Encourage pupils to take responsibility for their behaviour, as well as knowing their rights
  • Model freedom of speech through pupil participation, while ensuring protection of vulnerable pupils and promoting critical analysis of evidence
  • Challenge stereotypes
  • Implement a strong anti-bullying culture

Respect and Tolerance

  • Promote respect for individual differences
  • Help pupils to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life
  • Challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour
  • Organise visits to places of worship
  • Develop links with faith communities
  • Develop critical personal thinking skills
  • Discuss differences between people, such as differences of faith, ethnicity, disability, gender or sexuality and differences of family situations, such as looked-after children or young carers