Promoting Fundamental British Values
At Dunmow St Mary’s Primary School we are in full support of the Department for Education (DofE) document: Promoting fundamental British values as part of SMSC in schools, Departmental advice for maintained schools, November 2014.
The DfE explains the obligation for schools “to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs”.
Actively promoting these values means challenging opinions and behaviours that are contrary to, or undermine, these values. At Dunmow St Mary’s Primary, these values are woven through our curriculum regularly through SMSC (spiritual, moral, social and cultural) themes, these are planned for across all areas of learning and school life and ensures pupils are aware of the history and values of Britain and are prepared for life in modern Britain. We aim to help pupils understand the role of British values in society and this is done in the following ways:
We develop an understanding of and promote Democracy by:
- encouraging pupils to take responsibility for their actions and understand how they can contribute positively to society
- giving pupils the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council Pupil Voice meetings and through pupil questionnaires and interviews
- exploring how democracy works in Britain
- holding pupil voice elections that promote every child being given a fair opportunity
- taking turns while in class, playing game at break times or in the dinner hall
We develop an understanding of and promote Rule of Law by:
- teaching children to have an understanding of human rights
- encouraging children to participate in designing a shared set of classroom rules
- exploring consequences when rules have been broken, using a restorative approach
We develop an understanding of and promote Individual Liberty by:
- encouraging children to be who they are and celebrate themselves
- encouraging children to speak up, share opinions and take an active role in the school community
- promoting equal opportunities for all children, so that all children feel empowered to achieve their full potential
- encouraging discussions during lessons, where children are able to form opinions, listen to the views of others and understand that all voices have a place
We develop an understanding of and promote mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs by:
- (as a Church of England school) actively working with our partner church, St Mary’s Great Dunmow
- promoting Christian Values, such as respect and forgiveness
- ensuring our curriculum is broad and balanced, celebrating with children the successes of people from all backgrounds
- visiting other religious settings through school trips, embedded within our curriculum