What does this mean for your child?
Our programmes for learning in the curriculum are designed to prepare children and young people for life in modern Britain.
This includes helping pupils understand:
- The importance of combatting discrimination
- How we can influence decision-making by taking part in democratic processes like voting (school council) and petitioning (letters to Headteacher, MP)
- Our freedom under British law to choose different faiths and beliefs
- That the law is there to keep us all safe
What does this look like in school?
British values are embedded in different curriculum subjects as appropriate for the age of pupils – (material on the strengths, advantages and disadvantages of democracy, and how democracy and the law works in Britain, in contrast to other forms of government in other countries). We ensure that all pupils within the school have a voice that is listened to and demonstrate how democracy works by actively promoting democratic processes such as a school council whose members are voted for by the pupils. We have other opportunities such as pupil surveys to live out Fundamental British Values and provide pupils with the opportunity to learn how to influence change within the school environment. Our school’s ethos already includes many aspects of the Fundamental British Values aligned with our school values.
Will my child still be able to express their faith at school?
Absolutely. One of the Fundamental British Values is respect and tolerance of people with different faiths. British law protects people’s freedom to hold their own beliefs.
Any prejudice or discrimination towards pupils because of their faith goes against the Fundamental British Values and will not be tolerated.
Where to go for more information
If you have any questions or concerns about Fundamental British Values and what it means for your child, please do not hesitate to contact the school.
The following guidance from the Department for Education (DfE) may be useful for further information: Promoting fundamental British values as part of SMSC in schools, GOV.UK – DfE
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/380595/SMSC_Guidance_Maintained_Schools.pdf