What are fundamental British values?
In 2014, the Department for Education told all schools to promote ‘British values’ through Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural development (SMSC), embedding them across the curriculum and daily life.
Ofsted also require schools to promote ‘British values’ at every level including through their SMSC development, the curriculum and school leadership.
The Fundamental British Values
- Democracy – a culture built upon freedom and equality, where everyone is aware of their rights and respon
At Silverhill we demonstrate democracy through the implementation of our SPIRIT values, particularly teamwork. Our Year 6 House Captains regularly capture pupil voice to inform future school improvement planning. Pupils use their democratic vote to identify pupils selected for our weekly Merit Assemblies. Regular pupil voice activities are carried out by SLT and school governors. Pupils are given the opportunity to feedback to staff as part of our ongoing curriculum monitoring. Pupils use their democratic vote to choose their activity for their weekly Green Play, a reward time at the end of each Friday afternoon. Democracy is encouraged through the use of surveys and questionnaires for parents, pupils and staff of Silverhill Primary School.
- The rule of law – understanding that any society or community can only work well, and protect all its members, if there are rules which everyone is expected to follow.
At Silverhill we demonstrate rule of law through the implementation of our SPIRIT values. Through these values children are encouraged to monitor their learning behaviour in terms of their goals and self-reflect on their increasing effectiveness. At the start of each academic year, pupil’s work closely with classteachers to create classroom rules that are unique to their class. Children are given the opportunity to receive positive behaviour points through the use of Class Dojo when demonstrating our SPIRIT values. Each week, classteachers reward their weekly Dojo winners. Children are also rewarded for demonstrating and living by our SPIRIT values through our Friday Merit Assemblies. Our school Behaviour Policy is implemented by all staff, shared with pupils via regular whole school assemblies and is available to parents via the school website. The teaching of Rule of Law is woven through our PSHE curriculum in every Year Group.
- Individual liberty – understanding the freedom of speech for all and the right to make their own choices.
At Silverhill we demonstrate individual liberty through the implementation of our SPIRIT values, in particular the values of independence. Through engaging experiences, we promote self-esteem and nurture inquisitive minds. By valuing creativity, individuality and celebrating every success, no matter how small, children can follow their passions and strengths. Our ethos of ‘Be Yourself’ sits beneath our school logo for all to see. Our Year 6 House Captains regularly capture pupil voice to inform future school improvement planning.
- Tolerance and respect – understanding that we all don’t share the same beliefs and values. Respecting the values, ideas and beliefs of others whilst not imposing our own others.
At Silverhill we demonstrate tolerance and respect through the implementation of our SPIRIT values, in particular the values of integrity and respect. Events are recognised and celebrated across the school year including an annual harvest collection for those less fortunate than ourselves, organisation of a Remembrance service and supporting community Remembrance events. National awareness events such as Anti-bullying week are incorporated into an annual assembly themes calendar. Through this calendar we also raise awareness of and celebrate events such as Black History Month, LGBTQ+ Month, Pride, Mental Health and Wellbeing week. Through our teaching of Religious Education, and supported by whole school assemblies, pupils are given the opportunity to learn about different religions and their festivals recognised. The teaching of tolerance and respect is woven through our PSHE curriculum in every Year Group.
British values are taught in conjunction with our SPIRIT values. These values are explicitly delivered in Monday afternoon, whole school assemblies, through our PSHE curriculum and implicitly in everything we do.