At Branton St. Wilfrid’s  CE Primary School,  we take our responsibility to prepare children for life in modern Britain very seriously. The DfES has 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.” We ensure that the fundamental British Values are introduced, discussed and experienced through the ethos and work of the school through our own school values.

 All curriculum areas provide a vehicle for furthering understanding of these concepts and, in particular, our RE and PSHE lessons provide excellent opportunities to deepen and develop understanding.

 We aim to nurture our children on their journey through life so they can grow into safe, caring, democratic, responsible and tolerant adults who make a positive difference to British society and to the world. We encourage our children to be creative, unique, open minded and independent individuals, respectful of themselves and of others in our school, our local community and the wider world.

Fundamental British Values across the Curriculum

  • Democracy

    • All children are encouraged to debate topics of interest, express their views and make a meaningful contribution to the running of the school on matters that directly involve pupils. Children also have the opportunity to have their voices heard through pupil questionnaires and pupil surveys.

    • The principle of democracy is explored in the curriculum.

    • Branton St. Wilfrid’s CE pupils have had active involvement in the selection processes of newly appointed staff members.

    • Election and establishment of our school Eco, Well-being, Curriculum and Prime Ministers models the democratic process. Teachers ask children to put themselves forward as candidates before conducting a class ballot. Ministers meet regularly with the teaching staff.

  • Rule of Law

    • The importance of laws, whether they are those that govern the class, the school, or the country, is consistently reinforced at Branton St. Wilfrid’s CE Primary School.

    • Pupils are taught the rules and expectations of the school which are highlighted by the School Behaviour Policy.

    • At the beginning of the academic year each class produces a ‘Class Charter’ outlining the rules for the class which are integral to our learning and ethos.

    • School rules and expectations are clear, fair and regularly promoted.

    • Pupils are always helped to distinguish right from wrong, in the classroom, during assemblies and on the playground.

    • Pupils are encouraged to respect the law and Branton St. Wilfrid’s CE Primary School enjoy their visit to Crucial Crew which includes authorities such as the Police, Fire Services etc. to help reinforce this message.

    • The Behaviour and Anti-Bullying policies set out expectations and zero tolerance on any form of aggression, abuse or violence.

    • Curriculum Areas: RE, PHSE, PE and Sport. Through these subjects, children study a range of topics including rules for living, how rules influence actions, belonging, suffering and happiness, good sportsmanship, teamwork and collaboration.

  • Individual Liberty

    • Within school, pupils are actively encouraged, and given the freedom to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment.

    • Staff at Branton St. Wilfrid’s CE Primary School educate and provide boundaries for pupils to make informed choices, through a safe and empowering education.

    • Pupils are supported to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence.

    • Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their behaviour and our pastoral support reinforces the importance of making the right choices.

    • Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our online-safety teaching and PSHE lessons.

    • Vulnerable pupils are protected and stereotypes challenged. A strong anti-bullying culture is embedded in the school and any form of bullying is challenged and addressed.

    • Pupils have key roles and responsibilities in school e.g. School Ministers, Playground Leaders etc.

  • Mutual Respect

    • Respect is a strong part of our school. Our Behaviour Policy is centred around ‘Respect.' The pupils know and understand that it is expected that respect is shown to and by everyone, adults and children and that their behaviours has an effect on their rights and those of others.

    • Pupils are helped to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life.

    • Staff and pupils are encouraged to challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour.

    • Through our PHSE and RE curriculum, and through assemblies, pupils are encouraged to discuss and respect differences between people, such as differences of faith, ethnicity, disability, gender or sexuality and difference of family situations.

    • Discussions involving prejudices and prejudiced-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in PSHE.

    • Opportunities for children to act as role models (e.g. Playground Leaders) and celebration of achievements (Learning Behaviours, Achievements Award) all play a part in reinforcing the importance of respect for the achievements of others.

  • Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

    • This is achieved through equipping pupils with the ability to understand their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving the opportunities to experience such diversity within the school community.

    • Links and visits are promoted with local faith communities and places of worship.

    • We offer a culturally rich and diverse curriculum in which major religions are studied and respected and global dimension work embedded in many of our curriculum themes. These curriculum themes offer children the chance to reflect on our core values and British values