British Values
Teaching British Values at Wath Church of England Primary School
British values are fundamental principles that form the foundation of citizenship in modern, diverse Britain. They foster environments free from discrimination, intolerance, and hate, enabling us to challenge prejudice and stereotyping while strengthening community relationships. These values include democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.
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Promoting these values is essential for social cohesion, as they encourage respect for democratic rights and freedoms, contributing to a united and harmonious society.
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Educational institutions play a vital role in this promotion, preparing students for life in British society by actively teaching and reinforcing these principles.
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By embracing British values, we cultivate a sense of belonging and shared identity, ensuring that all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their background or beliefs.
Democracy
Democracy is central to the Jigsaw PSHE 3-11 programme, where children regularly share their opinions in class, group, or paired discussions. It encourages listening, respecting others' rights, and offering opportunities for everyone to voice their thoughts and ideas in a supportive environment.
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Democracy is integrated into daily life at the school, with all staff members demonstrating it through their actions. They model tolerance, respect for others' rights, and act with integrity and honesty.
Our vision is reflected in our motto, ‘Aim higher, shine brighter’ which was generated by the children and is at the heart of everything we do.
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Pupils have the opportunity to voice their opinions through a PSHE ambassador, with each class having its own designated representative.
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In Project Evolve sessions, we encourage students to engage in digital discussions, express their opinions online responsibly, and understand their rights and responsibilities in a digital society.
The British value of democracy plays a significant role in primary school history teaching by helping students understand the importance of participation, fairness, and individual rights. Through lessons on historical events and global civilisations, children learn how democratic principles have shaped the past and continue to influence society today. Teaching history in this context encourages students to appreciate their role in a democratic society, fostering critical thinking and encouraging them to engage in discussions about fairness, equality, and justice.
Rule of law
The Rule of Law is reinforced in each Jigsaw lesson through the Jigsaw Learning Charter, ensuring a safe, supportive environment. Children also learn about their rights.
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Laws, rules, and rights are consistently emphasized during regular school days, both in managing behaviour and through school assemblies.
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Children are taught the value, importance and reasoning behind why rules exist.
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Visits from authorities such as the Police; Ambulance staff; anti-bullying alliance etc. help to reinforce this message.
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In Project Evolve sessions, we teach children about online safety, cyber laws, and the consequences of harmful online behaviour, such as cyberbullying or misinformation.
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The British value of 'rule of law' is closely linked to history teaching as it helps children understand the importance of laws in shaping societies. By exploring historical events in Britain, and the wider world, children learn how laws have evolved to ensure fairness, justice, and the protection of individual rights. Historical Enquiry highlights how the rule of law has maintained order and safeguarded communities throughout time, encouraging children to recognize its importance in their own lives and fostering respect for the laws that we live by today.
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Individual liberty
Jigsaw provides a structured programme of personal development to nurture the ‘whole child’ and increase learning capacity, underpinned by mindfulness philosophy and practice.
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Jigsaw PSHE begins this teaching right from the beginning in the Early Years Foundation Stage and offers opportunities for children’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development.
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Our vision statement not only supports this idea but also builds upon it, further emphasising our commitment to fostering a positive and growth-oriented environment. It strengthens our approach by providing a clear direction and a shared purpose, ensuring that our goals are aligned with the values we aim to instil in every individual.
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In Project Evolve sessions, we promote responsible use of technology, allow students to make informed choices about their online presence while teaching them to understand the risks and freedoms that come with digital engagement.
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RE subject matter gives particular opportunities to promote an ethos of respect for others,
challenge stereotypes and build understanding of other cultures and beliefs. This contributes to promoting a positive and inclusive school ethos that champions democratic values and human rights.
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'Individual liberty' is deeply connected to history teaching as it helps children understand the significance of personal freedom and choice in shaping society. Historical Enquiry into such as the abolition of slavery, allows children to learn how individuals have fought for their freedom and the rights to live their lives as they choose. Enquiries during Black History Month emphasize the importance of standing up for liberty, encouraging children to appreciate their own freedoms and the efforts of those who have made sacrifices to protect individual rights throughout history.
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Mutual respect
The children understand the five words of our vision through the Kevin Smith story which is unique to our school. Kevin Smith attended our school only to leave after Year 6 and lost his life trying to help others on the Penlee Lifeboat.
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Collective worship promotes ‘respect’, and pupils have been part of discussions related to what this means and how it is shown.
Respect is reinforced through our classroom and learning rules, as well as our behaviour policy.
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Children have participated in anti-bullying events and activities.
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We have been awarded the Gold Award for our commitment to anti-bullying efforts.
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When a child thrives, their achievement is celebrated within the classroom, throughout the school, and during our weekly ‘Celebration Assembly.’
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In Project Evolve sessions, we teach them to be respectful in how they communicate in digital spaces, to understanding different perspectives, and how to combat online hate, discrimination, and cyberbullying.
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RE makes an important contribution to a school’s duty to promote community cohesion. It provides a key context to develop young people’s understanding and appreciation of diversity, to promote shared values and to challenge racism and discrimination.
Effective RE will promote community cohesion within:
the school community
the community within which the school is located
the UK community
the global community
The British value of 'mutual respect' is explored during our Historical Enquiries, as it encourages children to understand and appreciate the diverse cultures, beliefs, and experiences that have shaped Britain’s past. By learning about historical figures, events, and movements that promoted equality and tolerance students develop a sense of respect for others. Children recognize the importance of treating others with fairness and kindness, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone’s voice is valued.
Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
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Wath CofE Primary School is rooted in the community. We have strong links with All Saints Church but also give the children a broader appreciation of their community and what it is like to be a respectful citizen of the world in 2025.
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We recognise the importance of helping students understand their role in a culturally diverse society and provide them with meaningful opportunities to engage with and experience this diversity first-hand.
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Collective worships are regularly organized to foster understanding by sharing stories and celebrating traditions from a diverse range of faiths and cultures.
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We celebrate important events such as Black History Month, Diversity Day, and various cultural celebrations, honouring the rich diversity and history that shape our world.
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In Project Evolve sessions, we educate students about cultural diversity online, challenge stereotypes, and fostering an inclusive digital community.
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RE makes a key educational contribution to pupils’ explorations of British values. Teaching the Rotherham Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education will enable pupils to learn to think for themselves about British values in relation to the values of different religions and world views and their own values.
History teaches tolerance of different faiths and beliefs by introducing children to diverse cultures, religions, and historical events that highlight the value of understanding and respecting others. Through stories of different communities and the challenges they faced children learn about the importance of coexistence and mutual respect. An appreciation for the variety of beliefs that exist in the world is developed, helping children develop empathy and tolerance towards people from all backgrounds.