British Values

Promoting British Values

The Department for Education has stated the need:

"to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote 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.

At Montreal C of E Primary School, we employ Christian Values as the foundation for the way that we live our daily lives. We recognise that these guiding principles are present in other faiths too, and respect them in all forms; we also acknowledge that an individual doesn’t need to be a person of faith to live by these values. British and Christian values are regularly promoted through high quality teaching and through Collective Acts of Worship. We use a Values based programme for Collective Acts of Worship and Picture News. Picture News encourages discussion about current affairs, with direct links to British Values. It provides a different focus each week, in the form of a powerful image and ‘Big Question.’ These form the basis for a whole school Collective Act of Worship and Class Collective Act of Worship each week.  Our children are encouraged to consider, discuss and express their own ideas around these issues.

Democracy:

Democracy is evident throughout the school. Pupils are always listened to by adults, and are taught to listen carefully and respect the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through the School Councils. We have a weekly Golden Champion - any pupil is free to nominate someone from their class. We have parent evenings and parental involvement days. 

The Rule of Law:

Pupils are taught the values and reasons behind laws (and Rules), leading to an understanding that they are designed to protect us, and enable us to carry out our daily lives safely, freely, and purposefully, whether in the classroom or beyond. Pupils are also made aware that they themselves are responsible for enacting laws and rules, and that not doing so may involve consequences. The children are taught Kidsafe, PSHE and Decider Skills to help understand rules, consequences and responsibility for actions.

Individual Liberty:

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 all pupils to make choices safely, through provision of a safe environment and an empowering approach through the education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely; for example, pupils are allowed to prepare for and deliver Collective Acts of Worship.

Mutual Respect:

Our school vision, ethos, and Behaviour Policy are based around Core Christian values, Love Hope and Respect, these values help to determine how we live as a community at Montreal C of E Primary school. Collective Acts of Worship are based around our Christian values, and are central to how we expect everyone to conduct themselves at our school, knowing that Jesus instructed us to “Love our Neighbours”. Our pupils and staff live by these values, and are keen to identify them in one another.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:

Montreal C of E Primary School is situated in an area that is not greatly, culturally diverse. The school recognises its role in preparing children for life in modern Britain. In Religious Education pupils learn about the various religions that exist within Britain and the wider world, and compare the similarities and differences between them. Pupils are aware that different religions are practised, and learn about them, upholding respect for the collective beliefs of each religion. The religious education syllabus is the Cumbria SACRE syllabus. Through RE and personal and social education we reinforce messages of tolerance and respect.

Possible links to Christian Values

British Values at Montreal C of E Primary School