The fundamental British Values are defined as:

• democracy,
• the rule of law,
• individual liberty,
• mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs.

Promoting these British Values is now a central part of teaching and learning. These British Values are promoted throughout the curriculum across the whole school.  They are also seen in school ethos and policies, assemblies, special events and cultural celebrations.  Below are some examples of how we actively promote British Values at Alumwell Junior School.

Democracy

At Alumwell Junior school each class votes for a school council representative each year. This representative then attends school council meetings and feeds back to their class as well as presenting their opinions to senior leaders.

The Rule of Law

At Alumwell Junior school we teach the importance of laws starting with our class charters at the beginning of the year. The children learn about the UN Convention of Children’s Rights and they decide the rights for their individual class charter. In addition to this, all children follow rules around the school. They can see that rules work by making a happy and productive environment. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from local authority officers help to reinforce this.

Individual Liberty

Within school, pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advise how to exercise these safely, for example through our online safety. Online safety encourage the importance of keeping safe and knowing what information is not safe to disclose. Beginning from Year 3 children are introduced to the rights charter produced by UNICEF and have used the articles to make personal class charters which are displayed in every class room. They are 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 choices safety, through of provision of a safe environment and pupils are given the freedom to make choices.

Mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs, and for those without faith.

Within our school vision statement and school rules, respect is of utmost significance. During our P.S.E/ R.E lessons respect is taught alongside other religions and cultures. We have a wide and varied approach within our R.E teaching where we use the ‘Mirrors’ concept that brings a strong sense of self-identity paired with an understanding, empathy and respect for others.