The DfE have recently reinforced the 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 have been reiterated by the Prime Minister.  At St Meriadoc these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy

• An elected school council with children from years 3-6
• Year 5/6 mentors have a variety of responsibilities around the school – office monitors, librarians, Super 6s and Sports Leaders
• Pupil voice surveys
• Pupil voice as an integral part of lesson observations
• Visits from local MP – George Eustice as well as Y5 taking part within a   debate
• Understanding the difference between local and national roles for                politicians
• Pupils are encouraged to read children based newspapers (First News)
• Opportunities to consider freedom and World War 1 through remembrance celebrations/assembly and topic in Y6

Rule of Law

• Class charters
• Anti-bullying charter
• Rtime rules
• Behaviour for learning policy
• E-safety Policy and lessons
• Visits from the Police community liaison
• Importance of Rules – Philosophy Curriculum
• Assembles introduce work around civil rights through Martin Luther King, Rosa parks and Nelson Mandela

Individual Liberty   

• Rtime/circle time        
• Assemblies on the Rights of the Child
• School Council meetings
• Year 5/6 Buddy Mentors
• Pupil voice surveys
• Fundraising for local, national and global charities e.g. Comic Relief
• Learning mentor – important part of the school’s pastoral care
• Thrive – preparing children for life’s emotional ups and downs
• Pupils are aware of their freedom to make the choices to do the right thing
• Subject leaders interview pupils about their learning and achievements – so that individual learning styles can be taken into account
• Through stories in assemblies

Mutual Respect and Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

• Learning about and celebrating the variety of cultures in our community - Daya visits
• Philosophy curriculum
• RE curriculum and assemblies about major festivals e.g. Christmas, Eid, Diwali, Easter, Chinese New Year etc.
• History and Geography curriculum through Inspire introduce different historical perspectives, cultures and ways of life.
• Visits to local places of worship
• Grandparent’s lunch
• All staff model mutual respect in their dealings with one another, children and parents
• Rewards for caring behaviour and ‘buddy of the week’
• All incidents of racism or any form of bullying related to disability, religious or other issues is registered and returns are required by LA
• The SACRE syllabus for RE requires comparative religions to be taught
• Dual language notices as appropriate