Promoting Fundamental British Values at Springhead 

“The values I’m talking about – a belief in freedom, tolerance of others, accepting personal and social responsibility, respecting and upholding the rule of law – are the things we should try to live by every day. To me they’re as British as the Union Flag, as football, as fish and chips. Of course, people will say that these values are vital to other people in other countries. And, of course, they’re right. But what sets Britain apart are the traditions and history that anchors them and allows them to continue to flourish and develop.”

David Cameron 2014

In accordance with The Department for Education, we aim to actively promote British values in school to ensure our young people leave Springhead prepared for life in modern Britain. Our curriculum promotes respect, tolerance, diversity and British values.

Our pupils are encouraged to regard people of all faiths, races and cultures with respect and tolerance and understand that while different people may hold different views about what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, all people living in England are subject to its law.

Rule of Law

Through discussion and agreement, children at Springhead decide upon their class rules. They understand that by following these, and the wider school rules, life at Springhead can be happy and harmonious. They know how and why we need to behave in school and beyond.

Examples of 'Rule of law' across our school and wider curriculum: assemblies, behaviour policy, merit shop and classroom rules.

Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs

We place a great emphasis on promoting diversity with the children. Through their learning in Religious and Worldviews (RW) lessons and Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHEE) lessons, our children are able to talk about different faiths and cultures; they ask questions about, and show tolerance and respect of other faiths and religions. Each year the children explore a world faith alongside learning about Christianity.

Examples of 'Tolerance' across our school and wider curriculum: diverse texts are shared and available to children, use of a range of resources to understand and welcome diversity, the celebration of different faiths and traditions.

Mutual Respect

Much of our learning in school centres around this fundamental value. Children at Springhead begin by learning about self-respect, and then go onto to learning how we show respect for our family, our friends and our community.  Children also learn about how we can show respect for the world, its people and our environment.

Examples of 'Mutual respect' across our school and wider curriculum: the development of co-operation skills and being able to understand and appreciate the viewpoint of others. 

Individual Liberty

Our teaching and learning places value on the right to have our own thoughts, views and opinions whilst recognising that others have a similar right. Children are strongly encouraged to be independent; to think for themselves, and to express that opinion politely and with respect. As they journey through the school, they learn to understand that with rights comes the need to accept responsibility for their actions and words. They are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing they are in a safe and supportive environment.

Examples of 'Individual liberty' across the school and wider curriculum: School rules, children are encouraged to choose the level of challenge and we develop of a sense of responsibility.

Democracy

Democracy is a value that children meet when discussing fairness and respect. Children at Springhead see democracy demonstrated in a wide variety of ways; they view it as an essential part of teamwork. Our children work in pairs and small groups as well as in whole-class situations. They are able to take turns and listen to others’ points of view. Our school behaviour policy ensures that both sides of any dispute are taken into account, with agreed sanctions in place.

Examples of 'Democracy' across the school and wider curriculum: School council, pupil surveys, visits to parliament and visits from politicians and team games.