British Values
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." Galatians 5:22-23
Promoting British Values…
- The DfE have reinforced 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.”
- The Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values have been reiterated in the 2024 prevent guidance.
- School senior leader has been on the 1-day training conference that focuses on British Values.
- Our designated Safeguarding leads take part in a certificated prevent training yearly.
- At St. Matthew's British Values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy
Democracy and communication is embedded in school life as the ‘voice’ of each pupil is valued and heard. Pupils are listened to by adults and taught to listen actively to one another, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions heard. Pupils have the opportunity to share opinions and ideas through the Safeguarding and Wellbeing Champions and regular ‘pupil voice’ evaluation. Elections of the Pupil group members are based on pupil votes after each child has shared their manifesto. Our Safeguarding and Wellbeing Champions regularly meet with the Pastoral lead / Deputy Head to discuss issues raised in the classrooms. Every child on the safeguarding board has to write their own manifesto and apply to be on board. They have led the way with British Values and SMSC and are incredibly articulate. Children have an annual questionnaire, where they are able to put forward their views about the school.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws, whether governing the class, the school or the country, is consistently reinforced. The children discuss and set their own classroom rules to ensure that they are relevant and clearly understood by all. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, the responsibility they have to uphold them and the consequences when laws are broken. They are taught the importance of right and wrong, in particularly relating to the schools Christian values. Pupils are taught from an early age the rules of the school. We have our ‘Pupil Pact’ (devised by our children), our Playground Rules and Safety Rules, and our Behaviour Policy. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help reinforce this message.
Individual Liberty
Pupils at St. Matthew’s are seen as unique and valued individuals, each of whom is equally important. They 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 choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our ESafety and PSHE lessons. Our children take part in the STAR programme at Year 6 led by the police CSOs this programme stands for STOP THINK ACT REFLECT and focused on drug awareness and confidence to SAY NO!
Mutual Respect
Mutual respect is at the heart of our values, demonstrated by pupils and staff and is deeply embedded in learning and behaviour. Pupils understand that respect must be shown to everyone, whatever differences there may be. Respect underpins school life, in and out of the classroom. Respect is one of our ‘3 R’s (Respect, Responsibility and Resilience) that underpins our school vision, values and behaviour policy. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Christian concepts and values form an integral part of pupils’ daily learning but are taught alongside an understanding and celebration of different faiths, cultures, philosophies and beliefs. This tolerance is embedded within all subjects, particularly RE, enabling pupils to gain an enhanced understanding of the place of religion in a multi-faith world and their own place in a culturally diverse society. St. Matthew’s is a Church of England School, and we are led by Christian values. However, we are also a diverse school and believe the values we hold are common to many religions. We actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures. Religious Education lessons and PSHE lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others.