British Values

As a Church of England School at the heart of its community since 1845, we have always been committed to serving our community and beyond.

We recognise the diversity within our multi faith population and we ensure that our school promotes respect for all faiths and those of no faith.

Our school is committed to actively promoting British values to ensure our pupils leave us fully prepared for life in modern Britain.

The government emphasises that all schools should ensure that they teach pupils about British values. We take every opportunity to promote the fundamental British values of:

Democracy

The rule of law

Individual liberty

Mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

Through the promotion of these values, St Peter's aims to ensure pupils:

Understand the democratic process and how citizens can have a say in decision making.
Recognise the advantages of living under the rule of law and how law is essential for a safe society.
Understand that there is a separation of power between the executive and the judiciary and why it exists.
Understand the reasons for accountability of institutions and why courts maintain independence.
Know why freedom of religion protects all faiths, as well as those with no faith.
Accept that people who hold different religious beliefs should be tolerated and not

discriminated against.
Value the importance of identifying and combatting extremism.

We promote British values both within and beyond the classroom and these values are at the heart of our ethos.

Here are just some of the ways our school seeks to embed the teaching of British values.

At St Peter’s C of E Junior School, we view these fundamental British values as universal, moral beliefs that are commonly held by all children and adults in our school, the local community and across the world. We teach these through a distinct inspiring curriculum that recognises the unique culture of Britain. We successfully develop pride in being part of the British nation.

Democracy

At the beginning of each academic year, the children in every class vote and decide upon the school council members which will represent their class for a whole year. The School Councillors meet regularly to discuss school improvement and issues that have been raised by members of staff or other children. They speak to their classes about their meetings and share what is happening around our school. The children are also encouraged to vote during lessons sharing their opinions and compromising when needed.

Also at the beginning of every year, Year 6 children stand for election as House Captains of our four houses. The candidates prepare speeches and present these to the children in their house. Following these speeches, all children vote for their preferred choice. The boy and girl with the most votes become the House Captains for a whole year.

We encourage our children to learn to work collaboratively with others and as part of a team. There is a strong emphasis on team work and open discussion in our school where children are encouraged to express their view point clearly and listen to the views of others respectfully.

The children have an annual questionnaire where they are able to put forward their views about the school, what they like about being at St Peter’s C of E and what they feel could be improved further.

The rule of law

The importance of laws, whether they are those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at St Peter’s C of E Junior School.
Pupils are taught, when joining St Peter’s C of E, the rules and the importance of following them to ensure good behaviour and safety. The children are expected to follow the school rules in the classroom, when moving around the school and on the playground. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws and how they govern and protect us. The children are taught about the responsibility that this involves and the consequences when rules/laws are broken.

Individual liberty

At St Peter’s C of E Junior School, all children are valued and their individuality and differences are celebrated. The children 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 young pupils to make informed decisions, through a respectful environment and an empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and freedom of thought and speech and are advised through careful planning and teaching how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons. Children learn to develop self-respect and value themselves as individuals.

Mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

Mutual respect is at the heart of our school. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. This is modelled by all staff and children. All members of the school community, both children and staff, treat each other with respect. The children in our school demonstrate respect in the classroom, to their peers, friends and teachers. This is often celebrated through our Golden Collective Worships.

Through Religious Education, PSHE and Citizenship, in particular, we deepen children’s understanding of faith and belief. We teach children about a wide range of religions and celebrations such as Chinese New Year, Diwali, Eid, Passover, Harvest, Easter and Christmas. We openly welcome visitors from our community who visit to talk about their own personal beliefs, faith and experiences. As a Church of England school, we have a strong emphasis on distinctive Christian values and build the children’s knowledge about the Bible, Christian festivals and the Christian way of life.