British Values
Living together in unity
At our federation, we believe that every child should grow up understanding how to live well with others, make positive choices and contribute to their community.
As a Church of England federation, our Christian ethos provides a strong foundation for this. Our guiding principle of Unity reminds us that, although we are all different, we belong together and have a responsibility to care for and respect one another.
Through our vision, Together We Are ACE, we help children to develop the knowledge, understanding and personal qualities they need to become respectful, responsible and active members of society.
The five British Values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs are woven through our curriculum, relationships, collective worship and everyday life in school.
Democracy
We help children understand that everyone should have a voice and that decisions can be made fairly.
Children have opportunities to:
- share their views and listen respectfully to the views of others
- take part in class and school decision-making
- understand that different people may have different opinions
- experience voting and democratic processes
- understand that having a voice also brings responsibility.
We encourage children to speak up, listen carefully and work together to find positive solutions.
The Rule of Law
Children learn that rules and laws help to keep people safe and enable communities to live and work together.
Through our behaviour expectations, curriculum and wider school life, children learn:
- why rules are important
- the difference between right and wrong
- that actions have consequences
- to understand and respect agreed expectations
- that rules apply fairly to everyone.
Our Responsibility and Respect value is particularly important here. We want children to understand not simply what the rules are, but why they matter.
Individual Liberty
We want our children to grow in confidence and understand that they have the right to make choices about themselves, while recognising their responsibilities towards others.
Children are encouraged to:
- express their views and opinions respectfully
- make positive and informed choices
- develop independence and resilience
- understand how to keep themselves safe
- recognise and respect the rights and choices of others.
Our Independent Learner and Try and Try Again values help children to develop the confidence, wisdom and perseverance to make positive choices and take responsibility for their own actions.
Mutual Respect
Respect is at the heart of our federation.
We teach children that every person is valuable and deserves to be treated with dignity, kindness and respect, regardless of their background, beliefs, abilities or circumstances.
Our children learn to:
- listen to others
- value different perspectives
- celebrate what makes people unique
- show kindness and compassion
- challenge unkind or disrespectful behaviour.
Our Christian values of compassion, friendship, generosity, service and community help children understand what it means to live alongside others in a spirit of care and unity.
Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs
We want our children to be curious about the world around them and respectful of people whose faiths, beliefs, cultures and experiences may be different from their own.
Through our curriculum, collective worship and wider experiences, children have opportunities to:
- learn about different religions, beliefs and worldviews
- ask questions and explore ideas respectfully
- recognise similarities and differences between people
- understand that people may hold different beliefs and opinions
- develop respect and appreciation for the diversity of our wider community.
As a Church of England federation, our Christian identity is an important part of who we are. We encourage children to understand and explore Christianity while also developing respect and understanding for other faiths and worldviews.
Together We Are ACE
British Values are not something that we teach as a separate subject. They are part of the way we live and learn together.
Our vision of Together We Are ACE provides a shared language for developing the attitudes and values that help children to flourish:
Positive Attitude – developing hope, peace and humility
Achievement – having courage to try, succeed and learn from mistakes
Responsibility and Respect – treating others fairly and with dignity
Try and Try Again – developing perseverance and resilience
Independent Learner – developing wisdom and making positive choices
Everyone Working Together – building trust, compassion and unity
Sharing and Caring – showing friendship, generosity, service and community.
Unity in action
Our guiding principle is simple:
We are stronger when we work together.
We want every child to leave our federation understanding that they have an important part to play in their school, their community and the wider world.
Through Together We Are ACE, we nurture children who are ready to listen, participate, make responsible choices, respect others and contribute positively to the communities in which they live.
Together we learn. Together we care. Together we grow. Together We Are ACE.
