British Values

British Values

At Whitwick St John the Baptist, we prepare pupils for life in modern Britain effectively, developing their understanding of the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

Due to how engrained British Values are into the Christian vision and values of the school, we do not expect pupils to always be able to list all of the British Values from memory. However, we do expect them to be able to demonstrate the views and values that show that they are on their journey to becoming safe, caring, democratic, responsible and tolerant adults who make a positive difference to British society and to the world. 

Therefore, at Whitwick St John the Baptist, we ensure we have a systematic and progressive approach to the teaching of British Values whilst also reinforcing these values through a wide range of opportunities and experiences in school.

In April 2023, we introduced the concept of our hand being a visual representation of the key Bristih Values with each finger linking to a different value.

PSHE & SCARF

Teaching and learning about British Values is fully integrated into our PSHE curriculum (SCARF), through age-appropriate content across the SCARF spiral curriculum

SCARF supports children's spiritual, moral, social, cultural and emotional development, fostering a sense of respect for themselves and others; it promotes health and wellbeing across the school community within a robust PSHE framework.  Within this context, it contributes significantly to British Values in their broadest sense both explicitly and implicitly. The focus across the three themes of Health and Wellbeing, Relationships and Living in the Wider World help to foster and develop in children a responsibility for their own actions; respect for the actions and beliefs of others; an understanding of how each individual is protected by the rule of law; and how everyone can make a positive contribution to society through the democratic process.

A map of individual lessons which relate directly to the British Values themes (Democracy, The Rule of Law, Individual Liberty and Mutual Respect and Tolerance) can be found here,

Further to the PSHE curriculum, here are some of the ways we actively promote British values:

Democracy

• All children are encouraged to debate topics of interest, express their views and make a meaningful contribution to the running of the school on matters that directly involve pupils. 
• The principle of democracy is explored in the curriculum as well as during collective worship. Children vote for the school House Captains. The Chaplaincy Team work hard to promote tolerance and understanding through school events and the many fantastic fundraising opportunities and charity links that form a large part of what we do at Whitwick St John.
• Our school behaviour policy involves rewards which the pupils have developed.

Rule of Law

• Our school follows it’s Behaviour Policy, which is underpinned by the school’s Christian Values of honesty, respect, tolerance, love, kindness and trust.
• School rules and expectations are clear, fair and regularly promoted.
• Pupils are always helped to distinguish right from wrong, in the classroom, during collective worship and on the playground.
• Pupils are encouraged to respect the law and enjoys visits from authorities such as the Police, Fire Service, Ambulance, etc. to help reinforce this message.
• The Behaviour policy sets out a zero tolerance baseline for any form of aggression, abuse or violence, which extends to pupils, staff and parents and carers.

Individual Liberty

• Within school, pupils are actively encouraged and given the freedom to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. e.g. by signing up for extra-curricular clubs.
• Pupils are supported to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence.
• Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their behaviour and our pastoral support reinforces the importance of making the right choices.
• Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our online safety teaching and PSHE lessons.
• Vulnerable pupils are protected and stereotypes challenged. A strong anti-bullying culture is embedded in the school and any form of bullying is challenged and addressed. .  The school also operates a robust system of logging incidents.
• Pupils have key roles and responsibilities in school e.g. Year 6 play-coaches, reading pals etc.
• The school community benefits from visits from the NSPCC.

Mutual Respect and Tolerance

• Respect and Tolerance are both 'root' values of our school.  The pupils know and understand that it is expected that respect is shown to everyone, adults and children.
• Pupils are helped to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life.
• Staff and pupils are encouraged to challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour.
• Links and visits are promoted with local faith communities and places of worship. Through the PSHE and RE curriculums pupils are encouraged to discuss and respect differences between people, such as differences of faith, ethnicity, disability, gender or sexuality and differences of family situations.
• Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudiced-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE.
• We offer a culturally rich and diverse curriculum in which all major religions are studied and respected.