British Values at St Peter’s CofE School   

At St Peter’s CofE School, we are committed to providing a caring, safe, and inclusive learning environment where every child is encouraged to reach their full potential. As part of this commitment, we actively promote the fundamental British Values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect, and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs.

These values are not only central to the development of well-rounded, responsible citizens but are also embedded across our curriculum and school ethos. Our goal is to nurture children who are respectful, informed, and prepared to contribute positively to society.

Our Core British Values

1. Democracy

• At St Peter’s, we believe that every voice counts. Our School Council is a key part of this, where elected pupil representatives from each class meet regularly to discuss issues, propose solutions, and make decisions that affect school life. School councillors, along with other pupils, have the opportunity to visit organisations such as the local care home and the food bank and raise money for charities in our parish and globally.
• Pupils are taught about freedom of speech through assemblies and are provided with a broad general knowledge of and promote respect for public institutions and services such as meeting with members of parliament.
• We also conduct class discussions, debates, and votes to ensure pupils learn how democracy works in practice, fostering skills in listening, critical thinking, and respectful disagreement.
• We encourage pupils to be leaders within the school - they can apply for roles such as House Captain, Collective Worship Leader, Nutrition Leader or Admin leader. The pupils submit applications and are voted in by their peers or are interviewed for their roles by the headteacher. 

2. The Rule of Law

• Understanding the importance of rules and laws is fundamental to creating a safe and orderly learning environment. Our school has clear rules that everyone is expected to follow, and we regularly discuss the reasons behind them.
• We invite local law enforcement and community figures to speak about the importance of laws in society and the consequences of breaking them. This helps children understand both personal responsibility and the role of laws in protecting everyone’s rights.
• Our behaviour policy promotes high expectations of pupil conduct and this is shared through whole school assemblies. Pupils are rewarded for good, consistent and caring behaviour through class dojos.
• Through PSHE lessons pupils are taught how to earn trust and respect and are supported to develop a strong sense of morality and know right from wrong.
• Pupils recognise they are ambassadors for our school when we have visitors and when they have educational or sporting visits.  

3. Individual Liberty

• At St Peter’s, we encourage pupils to be independent and make choices about their learning, friendships, and goals. Our approach is to support each child in discovering their own strengths and interests in a safe environment.
• We emphasise the importance of personal responsibility and self-respect, teaching pupils to express themselves while also respecting the liberties of others.
• Children are taught how to keep themselves safe including online. This is done through ICT lessons, Health and Safety days, assemblies as well as PSHE curriculum.
• We offer a wide range of clubs linked to pupils’ personal interests such as outdoor learning, football, Book Club, Lego and art and craft.

4. Mutual Respect

• Respect is at the heart of everything we do. We promote respect through our school values, assemblies, and by modelling respectful behaviour at all times.
• Staff and pupils alike treat each other with kindness and consideration, fostering a sense of unity and understanding. We actively discourage bullying and work hard to ensure everyone feels valued and included.
• Mutual respect is an expectation of all and is promoted through daily life. 
• Celebration Assembly is held weekly so pupils can share how they have met the school vision and values.
• We encourage children to be upstanders and challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour.
• Through assemblies, whole class reading and PSHE lessons children can discuss differences between people such as differences of faith, ethnicity, disability, gender and differences of family situations.
• We hold an awareness day annually for Stand Up to Racism - children and staff wear red the whole day and learn about tolerance, differences and diversity.

5. Tolerance of Those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

• St Peter’s is a diverse and inclusive school, and we celebrate this diversity through our curriculum, assemblies, and events. We teach children about a wide range of cultures, world views, and traditions, promoting understanding and acceptance.
• Our Religious Education (RE) curriculum allows pupils to explore different faiths and worldviews, fostering curiosity and empathy. We also hold workshops, guest speaker sessions, and cultural celebrations to enhance our pupils' appreciation for diversity.
• Special assemblies are held celebrating significant religious festivals such as Ramadan, Diwali and Passover - children are invited to share their beliefs and traditions. 
• Pupils have the opportunity to visit places of worship. 

How We Integrate British Values into School Life

We believe that British values should not just be taught in isolation but should be reflected in every part of school life. Here are some ways these values are woven into our daily activities and curriculum:

• Assemblies and Events: Regular assemblies focus on our school values and vision, often exploring stories and events that highlight British values.
• Curriculum Integration: Our lessons in subjects such as History, English, PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic education), and Religious Education incorporate British values, helping pupils see their relevance in real-world situations.
• Pupil-Led Initiatives: Through clubs, charity events, and community projects, pupils learn to take initiative, work as a team, and make positive contributions to society.
• Celebration and commemoration such as; The Olympics, Remembrance Day, Anti-Bullying Week, World Book Day etc.