British Values

The DfE have reinforced the 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 2011 , and these values were reiterated in 2014.

At Chawton CE Primary School we aim for our children to become engaged 'agents of change' within their society who treat others with respect and tolerance, regardless of background.

We promote the basic British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs in the following ways:

Democracy 

We have a School Council with two members from Maple, Chestnut and Sycamore classes. These children apply for the role and are then elected into post by their class mates. The Council meets regularly and in the meetings the children’s views and ideas on a range of school issues are sought and they help make decisions.  They also collect class views which they bring to their meetings and are involved in fund raising for the school. We visit the Council offices to see how the council works. We also have many other Positions of Responsibility across the school, including House Captains, Sports Leaders,  which, again, children apply for and are then voted into position by their peers.

 The Rule of Law  

Children are taught from the beginning the ‘values’ of the school. Pupils are taught the importance of and reasons behind our school ‘values’, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when the ‘values’ are not kept. The school agrees an overarching school charter at the beginning of the academic year and then each class agrees its own class charter based on our core values. We have a variety of rewards when children keep the ‘values’ including Dojos, merits and house points. We also award special value awards each week in Celebration Worship which the families are all invited to. These show children our values are special and in keeping them they will be rewarded.  

Individual Liberty

Pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. Making choices is a key part of the way we want children to learn and of the school vision, which children learn about through Collective Worship and learning in Personal Development (Heartsmart) learning. Through our learning tasks we discuss different choices that the children can make and encourage them to make the right choices.  We look at Online safety as a key part of the Computing curriculum and the importance of making safe choices when online.

Mutual Respect  

Mutual respect is at the heart of our vision and core values. We are an inclusive school where everyone is valued and has a contribution to make to the school. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. The children and staff often work with other schools in our collaboration and with the local Church which develops their respect for others in the wider community.  

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

All different faiths and beliefs are explored and celebrated through Collective Worship, RE lessons and a variety of visitors into school. The children are taught that people have different faiths and beliefs and that these should be accepted.  Children within our school with different faiths are encouraged to share their practices and special celebrations. Our school also has a link with St Nicholas' Church in the Northanger Benefice and we are incredibly fortunate to benefit from three members of the clergy who lead us in prayer, song and lesson.