British Values

Democracy

The Rule of Law

Individual Liberty

Mutual Respect

Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

British values are mirrored through our school’s Christian Values which are:

Thankfulness, Trust, Perseverance, Justice, Service, Truthfulness, Generosity, Compassion, Courage, Forgiveness, Friendship and Respect.

We live out these values in our day to day interactions with everyone we meet, and we believe that our Christian Values and British Values are mutually supportive of each other.

At Adlington St Paul’s these British values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy

All adults listen to the views of the children and value their opinions. The school is clear in demonstrating how children should contribute, co-operate and consider the views and needs of others. Pupil’s are listened to by adults and are taught to actively listen to one another, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard. This is done through activities such as:

• being involved in democratic processes to elect school councillors;
• school council meetings;
• pupil voice;
• PALS (playground leaders);
• choosing of playground equipment;
• recruitment of staff;
• Democracy linked assemblies.
   

The Rule of Law

We consistently reinforce the importance of laws, whether they are those that govern the class, school or country. We have a positive behaviour policy. Our behaviour policy clearly sets out the rules for our pupils to follow to achieve success. Staff consistently model and reinforce high expectations of all pupils. 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. The Rule of Law can be seen through:

• our school behaviour policy;
• opportunities to reflect on learning and behaviour;
• pupil/staff/parent/carer voice and questionnaires;
• worship;
• class assemblies;
• school links with police and fire who regularly attend school.

Individual Liberty

Within school, pupils are actively 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 regarding safety, through provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advise how to exercise these safely, for example:

• E-Safety and PSHCE lessons and assemblies;
• choice of challenge in lessons and of how they record;
• participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities;
• roles in school such as PALS, Ethos, Eco club;
• merit certificates, extra-curricular awards and celebration worship;
• courageous advocacy and charity fundraising for what is important to them.

Mutual Respect

Our school vision and Christian values revolve around mutual respect.

Learning Together Following Jesus

Christian values are the heartbeat of our school. Seeking to be respectful, responsible and empowering global citizens, we follow the words of St Paul, ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart’. In this context, rejoicing in Jesus’ love and compassion for all, we pursue excellence as we celebrate everyone’s uniqueness in a broad, rich and balanced curriculum.

We promote the diversity of society and the right for each person to be respected and valued equally regardless of ability, gender, faith, heritage or race. This can be seen through:

• our curriculum;
• PSHE and RE curriculum;
• modelling of positive relationships;
• awareness of global issues;
• assemblies and worship;
• charity work including local, national and international;
• visitors and enrichment opportunities.
   

Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

Our Christian values and faith are an integral part of the children’s day to day learning, part of this includes developing an understanding of different faiths and beliefs. The school’s curriculum aims to develop an understanding of the world and the children are reminded of their place in a culturally diverse society. Our RE scheme of work provides opportunities for children to develop tolerance of and empathy towards those from different faiths and beliefs. The children have opportunities to visit different places of worship and we welcome leaders of other faiths to share their beliefs with the classes. Some other ways this is shown is through:

• PSHE/RE curriculum;
• wider curriculum opportunities;
• enrichment opportunities and experiences;
• trust wide links and experiences with other schools;
• Christmas traditions around the world;
• recognising and celebrating other festivals from around the world;
• themed lunches;
• reflection time.
   

We actively promote our British values and ensure school is a safe space whereby children can understand and discuss a wide range of topics which may include sensitive issues. We also have a weekly Picture News worship, where British Values are explicitly linked and referred to.