British Values
At Birchfield, we value the diversity of backgrounds of all pupils, families and the wider school community.
The Department for Education states that there is a 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”.
Our school reflects British values in all that we do. We aim to nurture our children on their journey through life so they can grow into safe, caring, democratic, responsible and tolerant adults who make a positive difference to British society and to the world. We encourage our children to be creative, unique, open-minded and independent individuals, respectful of themselves and of others in our school, our local community and the wider world. Wherever possible, we take a global approach to learning by introducing themes from the perspective of other people in other countries.
Click the links below to see what our British Values mean to us.
Democracy
Student Voice definition:
“Democracy means that everyone is treated fairly and we make decisions together.”
How does this relate to our school and our pupils?
- We ensure fairness and equality as much as possible.
- Our children should have a voice, both formally (Student Voice, Curriculum Voice etc) and informally in every day situations.
- They should make decisions about their school life.
- Our children should begin to understand how democratic processes are run in wider life and government (PSHE).
Rule of Law
Student Voice definition:
“Rule of Law means that laws and rules are important to keep people safe and make life fair.”
How does this relate to our school and our pupils?
•We have sets of rules that create, promote and enforce
•We build an understanding of why rules are important, both inside school and in the wider world (order, safety, fairness) (PSHE)
•We build an understanding of situations where rules must be followed and when they can be subjective. (PSHE)
Individual Liberty
Student Voice definition:
“Individual Liberty means that we all have rights and choices and we all get to be ourselves.”
How does this relate to our school and our pupils?
•Create a school that respects and accepts all members
•Promote active choices
•Promote rights (human, learner, child, staff) (PSHE)
•Celebration of our differences
Respect and Tolerance
Student Voice definition:
“Respect and Tolerance means that we accept the values, ideas and beliefs of other people and treat people as we want to be treated.”
How does this relate to our school and our pupils?
•Create a school built upon tolerance and respect for all (race, religion, gender etc)
•Create a school that openly discusses differences and tolerance…a place of ‘respectful curiosity’
•Promotion of treating people how we wish to be treated
•Create a culture of whistleblowing when disrespectful or discriminatory behaviour occurs
Click the links below to see some examples of British Values in action at Birchfield.
