The Department for Education state 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.”

The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy and these values were reiterated by the Prime Minister in 2014.

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.

At Exton & Greetham CE Primary School, these values are visited and explored regularly in the following ways.

The Key Values are:

• Democracy
• Rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect
• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

Democracy

Democracy is embedded at the school.  Pupils are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and with concern to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard.  Pupils also have the opportunity to air their opinions and ideas through our Children's Council. The pupil’s voice is also heard through pupil conferencing and through pupil questionnaires. We know that the formation of the school council and the active participation of our pupils will sow the seeds for a more sophisticated understanding of democracy in the future.

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws, whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced.  Our school has one ‘Golden Rule’ - we are kind, we are honest, we forgive - which is embedded in our work every day.  All the children understand our rule and know that this helps ensure that everyone is able to learn in a safe and ordered environment.  Our pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken.

Our pupils will encounter rules and laws throughout their entire lives. We want our pupils to understand that whether these laws govern the class, the school, the neighbourhood or the country, they are set for good reasons. This understanding of the importance of rules will be consistently reinforced through Collective Worship, in classes, around the school and through our curriculum. The involvement of our pupils in the creation of the school rules helps them to understand the reasons behind the rules and that there are consequences if they are broken. Through SMSC questions and circle times, we allow opportunity to debate and discuss the reasons for laws so that children can recognise the importance of these. Throughout the year we welcome visits from members of the wider community including the police, the fire brigade and many more. We believe that clear explanations and real life stories emphasise the importance of the rule of law for our pupils. Opportunities for children to take more responsibility around the school are encouraged.

Individual Liberty

We invest a great deal of time in creating a positive culture in our school, so that children are in a safe environment where choices and freedoms are encouraged and valued. Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment.  As a school we educate and provide boundaries for our pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and an empowering education.  Our pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely; examples of this can be clearly seen in our E-safety and P.S.H.E. lessons.  

At Exton & Greetham CE Primary School, we believe that valuing choice and freedom in daily school life will foster a value for individual liberty as the children embark upon their adult lives.

Mutual respect

Respect is one of the core values of our school, a value which was chosen by the whole school community, and is one of our 6 Rs and the most important for the children.  The pupils know and understand that it is expected that respect is shown to everyone, whatever differences we may have and to everything, however big or small.  The core value of Respect underpins our work every day both in and out of the classroom.

The children learn to treat each other and staff with great respect. This is evident when walking around the School and in the classrooms. 

Through E-Safety Days and Anti- Bullying week, the children are taught to value differences in themselves and others and most importantly to show respect to all. 

Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

Our core value of Respect ensures tolerance of those who have different faiths and beliefs.  At Exton & Greetham CE Primary we enhance pupils' understanding of different faiths and beliefs through Religion and World Views lessons; P.S.H.E. work; and other enrichment work.  We follow the Peterborough Diocese RE agreed syllabus which ensures that all children learn about the main religions and teaches respect and understanding for the cultures, beliefs, opinions and traditions or others. Class assemblies also help to contribute to the knowledge of special occasions, beliefs and customs. 

Through our curriculum and the routines of our daily school life, we strive to demonstrate tolerance and help children to become knowledgeable and understanding citizens who can build a better Britain for the future. We use opportunities such as the Olympics and current news and events from around the world to help the children study and learn about life and cultures in different countries.