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Promoting British Values

Purpose:

At Green Oaks Primary Academy, we are committed to preparing every child for life beyond Green Oaks and for their future as an active, responsible member of modern Britain.

Fundamental British values are defined as democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. Schools are expected to actively promote these values as part of pupils' wider spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. [assets.pub...ice.gov.uk]

At Green Oaks, these principles are not taught in isolation. They are embedded within our curriculum, assemblies, relationships, routines and everyday school life. They complement our own school values:

Work Hard • Be Kind • Be Responsible

Through our curriculum and wider opportunities, we support our children to:

  • understand their rights and responsibilities;
  • have a voice and understand the importance of listening to others;
  • respect rules and understand why they are important;
  • make informed, responsible choices;
  • show kindness, respect and consideration towards others;
  • value difference and understand that people may have different faiths, beliefs, cultures and viewpoints;
  • challenge prejudice, discrimination and behaviour that does not reflect our inclusive values;
  • develop the confidence, knowledge and character they need to participate positively in their community and wider society.

The DfE states that pupils should be encouraged to regard people of all faiths, races and cultures with respect and tolerance, while understanding that people may hold different views and beliefs. [assets.pub...ice.gov.uk]

Our diverse school community provides children with valuable opportunities to learn from one another, celebrate difference and develop a strong sense of belonging. Through high expectations, positive relationships and meaningful opportunities to participate in school life, we help every child understand what it means to Work Hard, Be Kind and Be Responsible.

The sections below explain how each of the fundamental British values is promoted across life at Green Oaks.

Democracy:

 

At Green Oaks, we ensure that every child has a voice and knows that their views are valued. Pupils are encouraged to share their opinions, listen respectfully to others and contribute to decisions about school life.

Children have opportunities to put themselves forward for leadership roles and take part in choosing pupil leaders, helping them understand democracy, fairness and responsibility.

This reflects our values: Work Hard by playing an active part in our community, Be Kind by respecting the views of others, and Be Responsible by using our voice and making thoughtful choices.

The Rule of Law:

 

At Green Oaks, children learn from an early age why rules and laws are important, how they keep people safe and the responsibilities we all have to follow them. Our clear behaviour expectations help pupils understand that actions have consequences and that these are applied fairly and consistently.

Through our Pol-Ed PSHE/RSE curriculum, a key element of learning is Understanding the Law, helping children develop an age-appropriate understanding of their rights, responsibilities and the laws that affect them.

We strengthen this learning through positive engagement with our local PCSOs, helping pupils build trust and positive relationships with the agencies that support and protect our communities. In Year 6, pupils also engage with magistrates, giving them a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding of how the law and justice system work in practice.

This supports our value of Be Responsible, encouraging children to make positive choices, understand consequences and take responsibility for their actions.

Individual Liberty:

 

At Green Oaks, we provide a safe and supportive environment where children are encouraged to make choices, learn from mistakes, develop independence and take responsibility for their actions.

Through our PSHE/RSE curriculum, online safety education and values assemblies, pupils develop the knowledge and confidence to understand their rights, personal freedoms and responsibilities, enabling them to make safe and informed choices.

Children are taught about the protected characteristics in an age-appropriate way and learn to respect difference, challenge stereotypes and understand that everyone has the right to be treated fairly and with kindness. This supports our strong culture of inclusion and anti-bullying.

Across school life, pupils are given opportunities to make meaningful choices, from their learning and how they demonstrate their understanding to participation in clubs, enrichment and leadership opportunities.

This reflects our values of Work Hard, Be Kind and Be Responsible, preparing our pupils to make positive, respectful and responsible choices at Green Oaks and beyond.

Mutual Respect:

 

At Green Oaks, mutual respect is at the heart of our inclusive and welcoming school community. Our families bring a rich blend of cultures, languages, faiths and heritage, and we value the diversity, experiences and traditions that make our community unique.

Children learn to Be Kind by valuing others, listening to different viewpoints and celebrating what makes each person unique. They learn to Be Responsible by considering how their words, actions and choices affect those around them.

Through our curriculum, assemblies and everyday school life, pupils are encouraged to be curious about difference, challenge stereotypes and prejudice, and treat everyone with kindness, dignity and fairness.

We want every child and family at Green Oaks to feel that they belong, are valued and are an important part of our community.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:

 

We are proud of the rich diversity of cultures, faiths, beliefs and heritage within our school community. We see this diversity as a strength and value the opportunities it provides for children to learn from one another and develop a genuine understanding of the world around them.

Through our RE and PSHE/RSE curriculum, assemblies and wider school experiences, children learn about different faiths, beliefs and ways of life. We encourage pupils and families to share their experiences and traditions, helping to make learning meaningful and reflective of our community.

Children are taught to celebrate difference, challenge prejudice and stereotypes, and understand that everyone has the right to feel safe, included and valued.

This reflects our values of Be Kind and Be Responsible, ensuring our children grow into respectful, open-minded individuals who value others and are well prepared for life beyond Green Oaks.

British Values across the curriculum:

The fundamental British Values have been carefully mapped out across the curriculum to demonstrate the effective coverage of these vital aspects.