British Values

The Department for Education states that there is a 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 were reiterated by the Prime Minister in 2014. At Berkswell these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy
We believe that it is important to give children first-hand experience of concepts such as democracy. Children are given opportunities throughout the year to take part in democratic processes such as head boy and girl elections and house captain elections. We have a thriving school council which allows children to have a voice and enables them to see that they can make a difference. The elections of members of the school council are based on pupil votes.
Our Christian Values run through every aspect of school life. In order to keep the other values alive, we award 8 medals and a trophy during weekly worships.
I was interested in becoming a school council representative because I think it’s good for pupils’ opinions to be heard as well as teachers.
Rule of Law
Children are taught the values and reasons of law, that they govern and protect us. At Berkswell the school council used ideas contributed by each class to compile a school learning charter which we all follow. This learning charter is displayed in each classroom and reinforced regularly throughout the school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school worships. We have visits from authorities such as the police and the fire service and we teach children aspects of both civil and criminal law.For me, rule of law means that I can lead a good life and can be safe as other people follow them too.
Rule of law means keeping people safe and being able to realise that you have protection.
Individual Liberty
Mutual Respect
Our Christian values, including respect, trust, forgiveness and friendship permeate through all aspects of school life and provide a guide as to how we respect, relate and work together. We pay explicit attention to this through our RE and PSHE curriculum. Respect is a school value that is deeply discussed, starting with self-respect and covering respect for family, friends, the wider community and world and also our environment. Our SIAS inspection confirms this is an outstanding aspect of life at Berkswell School.
At Berkswell School we believe that we should treat other people in the way that we would like to be treated.
Tolerance of Those of Different faiths and Beliefs
In our lessons we learn about a variety of different religions, including Judaism, Islam and Hinduism.