British Values

Promoting Fundamental British Values

In accordance with The Department for Education we aim to actively promote British values in schools to ensure young people leave school prepared for life in modern Britain. Pupils are encouraged to regard people of all faiths, races and cultures with respect and tolerance and understand that while different people may hold different views about what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, all people living in England are subject to its law.

The Key Values are:

• democracy
• rule of law
• individual liberty
• mutual respect
• tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs 

Statement on the Promotion of British Values

Background and Rational

The notion of teaching children about British Values and embedding it into our curriculum is not new.

The 2008 National Curriculum included the following statement:

“The school curriculum should contribute to the development of pupils’ sense of

identity through knowledge and understanding of the spiritual, moral, social and

cultural heritages of Britain’s diverse society and of the local, national, European,

Commonwealth and global dimensions of their lives.”

The 2012 Teachers’ Standards state, as part of teachers’ personal and professional

conduct:

“Teachers uphold public trust in the profession and maintain high standards of ethics

and behaviour, within and outside school, by: not undermining fundamental British

values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect,

and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.”

These values support the national Prevent Strategy put before Parliament in 2011 by

the Home Secretary as a response to radicalisation of British citizens.

The Prevent Strategy recognises the importance of schools in counter-terrorism

activities. More recently, a number of OFSTED inspections revealed a failure to

promote British values adequately in some schools, meaning that young people in

them were vulnerable to radical and extremist ideas. Consequently, all schools need

a clear statement of British values and how they are promoted through the school’s

curriculum.

What is meant by “British Values”?

British Values are defined by OFSTED as: 

“Acceptance and engagement with the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs; pupils develop and demonstrate skills and attitudes that will allow them to participate fully in and contribute positively to life in modern Britain.”

Although some people may argue that these values are not uniquely “British” there

can be no doubt that they are fundamental to life in Britain and as such they are

actively promoted by this school in order to prepare young people for life in modern

Britain.

How does our school go about promoting these values?

We believe that the following list exemplifies some of the British Values held dear by

British citizens:

• Democracy
• Respect of the rule of law
• Appreciation of the rights of others
• Individual liberty
• The promotion of opportunities for all
• Support for those who cannot, by themselves, sustain a dignified life-style
• Religious tolerance and respect for cultural diversity
• Treating others with fairness
• Participation in community life
• The contribution to, as well as the benefit from, cultural and economic resources.

At Corfe Castle Primary School we believe that our statement of ethos found on the

school’s website, makes explicit our fundamental belief in these values. This

statement is the foundation of all our work with our pupils. Our school’s Mission

Statements include two pertinent points:

At our church school we aim to provide a welcoming atmosphere where staff and children work together to create a happy, secure, caring and stimulating environment.  This will be in partnership with the church, parents, governors, and the wider community. All children are given the opportunity to achieve their full potential, to develop responsibility, self-esteem, respect for othersand their environment.  This will be achieved through a broad and balanced curriculum with high quality teaching and learning experiences. This will be provided in a well-resourced school that encourages creativity and co-operation and where individual efforts are valued and celebrated. 

These statements are fundamental to all our work with the children,