At Nelson Primary School, we instil a deep understanding of British values in our pupils. Through our curriculum, assemblies, and school activities, we impart these values alongside our unique focus on fostering  (or growing), capable and compassionate children. Our commitment is visually represented on the Nelson Values Tree:

 

What are British values?

British values are the fundamental principles that underpin our society and way of life. They are:

• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

Why are British values important?

British values are important because they help to create a safe and fair society where everyone is treated with respect. They also help to promote understanding and cooperation between people from different backgrounds.

 

How we teach British values

• Democracy: We have a school council where pupils can represent their peers and have a say in how the school is run. We also teach pupils about the importance of voting and elections.
• The rule of law: We teach pupils about the importance of the law and how it helps to protect us all. We also teach pupils about their rights and responsibilities under the law.
• Individual liberty: We encourage pupils to think for themselves and to make their own choices. We also teach pupils about the importance of respecting the rights of others.
• Mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs: We teach pupils about the importance of respecting people from different backgrounds and religions. We also teach pupils about the importance of challenging prejudice and discrimination.

Using current world issues to teach British values

We use current world issues to teach British values in our class assemblies. Our school subscribes to the "Assemblies Picture News" website to find relevant and engaging resources. Each class assembly has an explicit link to British values and the articles of the child. We also encourage pupils to participate in the assemblies by asking questions and sharing their thoughts. Fortnightly, in KS2, our pupil news leaders also lead these assemblies and remind children of the values so that this teaching is constantly reinforced.

Holding elections for the school council

We also reinforce British values by holding elections for our school council. This gives pupils the opportunity to experience democracy in action and to learn about the importance of voting and elections. Pupils can vote for their representatives on the school council. The candidates give speeches to their classmates and answer questions. The pupils then vote for the candidates they think will best represent them. The school council meets regularly to discuss issues that are important to the pupils. They also have the opportunity to make suggestions to the school leadership team. We believe that holding elections for the school council is a great way to teach pupils about democracy and to give them a voice in how the school is run.

Other ways we reinforce British values

Here are some other ways that we reinforce British values at Nelson Primary School:

• Teaching pupils about the history of the United Kingdom and its values within our curriculum.
• Celebrating different cultures and religions, including regular visits to different places of worship each year
• Promoting diversity and inclusion
• We have strong links with the police and fire service, who visit the school and lead workshops and assemblies. 
• We have a clearly structured policy on behaviour at Nelson, and all members of the school follow this in conjunction with our Diamond Rules. 
• Children experience democracy in action as part of our subject ambassador, peer mediator and other school initiative teams.
• Children learn the art of debate in our Debate Mate Clubs, often debating issues closely aligned with British values.  
• Teaching pupils about their rights and responsibilities
• Running a peer mediator programme so that pupils learn how to resolve conflicts peacefully
• Our PSHE curriculum lends itself perfectly to the discreet teaching of British values.  
• Encouraging pupils to be respectful of others at all times. This is demonstrated at its best during our R-Time weekly sessions.

We also reinforce British values through our school policies and procedures. For example, we have policies in place to promote anti-bullying, equality, and diversity.

We believe that by teaching British values, we are helping our pupils to become responsible and active citizens of the future.