Promoting British Values
The values identified are: democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. These will be reinforced regularly and evidenced within our schools in the following ways:

Fundamental British Values
- Democracy.
- The rule of law.
- Individual liberty.
- Mutual respect.
- Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs.
Being Part of Britain
Further, children learn about being part of Britain from different specific perspectives. Two specific examples of when we teach about being part of Britain are:
Geographically: Our curriculum ensures that children have a better understanding of what Britain is, learning more about:
- its capital cities and counties, its rivers and mountains
- how ‘Great Britain’ differs from ‘England’
- where Britain is in relation to the rest of Europe and other countries in the world
Historically: Our curriculum time travels to significant moments in British history. During these whole school topics, children learn about an aspect of life and how this has developed and changed over time. Famous British people are also studied such as inventors, explorers, scientists.
Democracy
Our School Council is an elected body with two representatives from each class. Fellow classmates choose and vote for the children they feel will best represent their own views. At council level the children discuss issues raised in class, by other members of the school community or by the local community and suggest ideas for ways to make improvements. A governor and member of staff are also represented on the school council.
At the beginning of each school year the children in each class will collaboratively create the class rules they want to see upheld across the year. Also at the start of each year we review our expectations of behaviour and our reward and consequence system. Pupils are encouraged to engage in this discussion and offer ideas.
Through our assemblies pupils and staff actively give voice to their opinions.
Pupils are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and with concern to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard. We encourage pupils to take ownership of not only their school but also of their own learning and progress. This encourages a heightened sense of both personal and social responsibility and is demonstrated on a daily basis by our pupils.
The Rule of Law
Within class lessons and assemblies, pupils are taught the importance of our school codes and the reasons for having them. They also learn about the laws that govern our country, the values behind these and how they, like our school laws, are created to protect us all.
Rights and responsibilities are also discussed along with the consequences that follow when laws are broken. Visitors to the school, such as the Fire and Police services, help reinforce these messages.
Reward systems are in place to encourage and promote positive behaviour. Also, and very importantly, regular communication takes place between home and school to ensure all parents/carers are aware of expectations.
Our annual open day in September helps to ensure this. During this day children explain to their parents the systems in place, taking them to look at the various displays. They are also requested to read and sign a number of documents including Home/School Agreement and ICT Agreement.
Individual Liberty
There are many occasions when pupils are encouraged and given the freedom to make choices within their lessons and in relation to their participation in extra-curricular activities.
Mutual Respect
Lessons and assemblies provide opportunities to model and discuss key values such as respect and what the schools expectations are of seeing this in practice.
Tolerance of those with different Faiths and Beliefs
Issues such as bullying, racism and prejudice are dealt with in lessons and assemblies. Classes visit places of worship that are important to different faiths. Special celebration events are held and parents and visitors from different cultures, faiths or religions share their beliefs, customs, food and knowledge; all greatly enhancing learning within the schools. Our annual Hollywood Bollywood event continues to grow in success and the positive impact it has across our community.
Within West Street we actively challenge pupils, staff, parents, carers and other stakeholders who express opinions contrary to the fundamental British Values detailed here, including any “extremist” views.