Promoting British Values

In accordance with The Department for Education we aim to actively promote British values in schools to ensure young people leave school prepared for life in modern Britain. Pupils are encouraged to regard people of all faiths, races and cultures with respect and tolerance and understand that while different people may hold different views about what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, all people living in England are subject to its law.

The Key Values are:

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

‘British Values’  represent the key principles and attitudes which we foster in students through the school ethos and curriculum in order to prepare them for life in modern Britain. We expect children at Overseal to be respectful and empathetic, valuing and contributing to our community. We foster this ethos through assemblies, PSHE, school council, visits and visitors and modelling appropriate attitudes and behaviours. Children are encouraged to take responsibility for our school community. 

Specifically, British Values are promoted throughout the school curriculum and in wider school life as set out below.

DEMOCRACY: In the classroom, children are encouraged to discuss, contribute, question and justify in all areas of the curriculum though skilled questioning by staff. Children are expected to be actively involved in their own learning. They directly contribute to the planning of lessons and provide display ideas. School council provides an opportunity for children to develop their understanding of the democratic process and to contribute to aspects of school life through, for example, organising charity events or choosing playground equipment. We have parent and pupil questionnaires yearly, which contribute to future development plans. In these ways, through the curriculum and through the wider life of the school, children are made to feel that their contributions are valued and have impact.

RULE OF LAW: Standards of behaviour at Overseal are very high, and children understand the need for rules to keep us safe, happy and to help us learn. We have a home-school agreement which sets out expectations and ensures parental support for our rules and values. The 'Good to be Green' reward scheme is used in our school to promote positive behaviour, and children who stay on green all week are rewarded with a special 'Good to be Green' playtime.

Our PSHE curriculum has a specific focus on rules and developing citizenship. Visitors to assembly include the police and fire service, encouraging children to develop respect for the authorities who help us.

INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY: In our primary school, we teach children about individual liberty by encouraging them to make their own choices and understand the importance of responsibility. Pupils are given the freedom to express their opinions, choose from a range of activities, and take part in decision-making through school councils or classroom discussions. We help children understand that while they have the right to make their own choices, those choices should respect the rights of others and follow the school’s values. This helps them grow in confidence and develop a strong sense of self while learning to live in a respectful and supportive community.

MUTUAL RESPECT: In our primary school, mutual respect is a core value that underpins all aspects of school life. We teach children that everyone deserves to be treated with kindness, fairness, and understanding, regardless of differences in background, beliefs, or abilities. Through regular assemblies, we explore themes such as respect, kindness, and celebrating diversity, helping children understand why mutual respect is important both in and out of school. Events like Anti-Bullying Week give pupils the opportunity to learn about the impact of unkind behaviour and the importance of standing up for others in a respectful and supportive way. E-safety lessons also play a key role in teaching children how to show respect when communicating online, understanding that their words and actions can affect others in the digital world just as they do face-to-face. In the classroom, mutual respect is promoted through group work, class discussions, and positive role modelling by staff. By embedding these values across the curriculum and school culture, we help children develop into thoughtful, respectful individuals who contribute positively to the school community and beyond.

TOLERANCE: As part of our commitment to promoting British Values, we actively teach the importance of tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. In our primary school, children learn to appreciate and respect the diverse community we live in. Through Religious Education (RE), PSHE lessons, and themed assemblies, pupils explore a wide range of cultures, religions, and worldviews, learning that everyone has the right to their own beliefs. We celebrate key religious and cultural festivals such as Diwali, Christmas, Eid, and Chinese New Year, encouraging children to understand and value traditions different from their own. Classroom discussions provide safe opportunities for children to ask questions, share experiences, and develop empathy. By promoting tolerance as a British Value, we help our pupils become respectful, inclusive individuals who contribute positively to modern British society.

British Values in the Curriculum