British Values
Promoting British Values at Vauxhall Primary School
Promoting British Values at Vauxhall Primary School
In line with guidance from the Department for Education, we actively promote British values to help our pupils leave school prepared for life in modern Britain. Pupils are encouraged to respect and value people of all faiths, races, and cultures, and to understand that while individuals may hold different views about what is ‘right’ or ‘wrong’, everyone living in England is subject to its laws.
At Vauxhall Primary School, these values are reinforced through high-quality teaching, a carefully planned programme of assemblies, and a positive behaviour policy.
Our commitment extends beyond teaching: we also challenge children, staff, or parents who express views that are contrary to these values, ensuring that our school remains a safe, inclusive, and respectful community.
The Key British Values are:
- Democracy
- Rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Mutual respect
- Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
British values are promoted at Vauxhall Primary School in the following way:
Democracy
- Annual school wide campaign and election for our head boy/girl;
- 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;
- Taught through assemblies and our school curriculum;
- Encourage pupils to become involved in decision-making processes and ensure they are listened to in school;
- Help pupils to express their views;
- Model how perceived injustice can be peacefully challenged;
- Visits to the Houses of Parliament.
Rule of law
- Ensure school rules and expectations are clear and fair;
- Class rules and celebration of adhering to these rules;
- 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;
- Explore within our PSHE Lessons laws and what to do if peer pressure is trying to persuade children to break these;
- Promote the Rights Respecting School Articles (on policies, around school, in assemblies etc)
Individual liberty
- Support pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem, 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;
- E-Safety units of work are taught throughout school and parents and staff receive training on these.
Mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs
- Following the UNICEF rights respecting schools agenda
- Explore positive role models through our topics who reflect the protected characteristics of the 2010 Equality Act;
- Challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour;
- Years groups perform a celebration assembly for Diwali, Eid and Christmas;
- Our RE scheme ensures that our children have a good understanding of a range of religious beliefs and customs;
- Help pupils to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life
