British Values

Promoting British Values at Christ Church Chorleywood C of E School 

The Department for Education has published guidance to schools on promoting British values to prepare young people for life in modern Britain. This is at the heart of what we teach the children at Christ Church School. The DfE have informed schools for the need “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all 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.”

These values are embedded throughout our curriculum, daily school life and are reinforced in the following ways:

Democracy:

At the beginning of each academic year the children in every class vote and decide upon the school council members which will represent their class for a whole year. The School Councillors meet regularly to discuss school improvement and issues that have been raised by members of staff or other children. They speak to their classes about their meetings and share what is happening around our school. The children are also encouraged to vote during lessons sharing their opinions and compromising when needed.

Also at the beginning of every year, Year 6 children stand for election as House Captains of our four houses – Cavell, Curie, Lister and Shaftesbury. The candidates prepare speeches and present these to the children in their house. Following these speeches, all children vote for their preferred choice. The boy and girl with the most votes become the House Captains for a whole year.

We encourage our children to learn to work collaboratively with others and as part of a team. There is a strong emphasis on team work and open discussion in our school where children are encouraged to express their view point clearly and listen to the views of others respectfully.

The children have an annual questionnaire where they are able to put forward their views about the school, what they like about being at Christ Church and what they feel could be improved further.

The Rule of Law:

The importance of laws, whether they are those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at Christ Church School.

Pupils are taught from an early age the rules of the school and the importance of following them to ensure good behaviour and safety. The children are expected to follow the school rules in the classroom, when moving around the school and on the playground. All classes create their own set of classroom rules that the children help to put together which are then followed and adhered to by the children in that class. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws and how they govern and protect us. The children are taught about the responsibility that this involves and the consequences when rules/laws are broken.

Individual Liberty:

At Christ Church School all children are valued and their individuality and differences are celebrated. The children 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 informed decisions, through in a respectful environment and an empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and freedom of thought and speech and are advised through careful planning and teaching how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE and Citizenship lessons. Children learn to develop self-respect and value themselves as individuals.

Mutual Respect:

Mutual respect is at the heart of our school. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. This is modelled by all staff and children from Reception up to Key Stage Two. All members of the school community, both children and staff, treat each other with respect. The children in our school demonstrate respect in the classroom, to their peers, friends and teachers. This is often celebrated through our award of the week assemblies.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:

Through Religious Education, PSHE and Citizenship, in particular, we deepen children’s understanding of faith and belief. We teach children about a wide range of religions and celebrations such as Chinese New Year, Diwali, Eid, Passover, Harvest, Easter and Christmas. We openly welcome visitors from our community who visit to talk about their own personal beliefs, faith and experiences. As a Church of England school we have a strong emphasis on distinctive Christian values and build the children’s knowledge about the Bible, Christian festivals and the Christian way of life.

At Christ Church School we view these fundamental British values as universal, moral beliefs that are commonly held by all children and adults in our school, the local community and across the world. We teach these through a distinct inspiring curriculum that recognises the unique culture of Britain. We successfully develop pride in being part of the British nation.