British Values

The government first set out its definition of British Values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy. Since 2014 the DfE expects 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 faith and beliefs.”

At Whitehouse Common, these values are reinforced regularly throughout the curriculum, in assemblies and in the following ways:

Democracy

Each year the children decide upon their class rules and the rights associated with these. All the children contribute to the drawing up of the rules. We have a pupil council which meets regularly to discuss issues raised from classes. The council is genuinely able to effect change within the school. Every child on the student council is voted in by their class. Children also have an annual questionnaire where they are able to put forward their views about the school and the opportunity to discuss their views on a regular basis through pupil conferencing.

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at Whitehouse Common. Pupils are taught from an early age the rules of the school. There are our school rules and E-Safety procedures. 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

At Whitehouse Common Primary School, all pupils 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 are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety, RE and PSHE lessons.

Mutual Respect

Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. 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

Whitehouse Common is proud of its diverse school family. We actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures. Religious Education lessons, collective worship and PSHE lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others. Our rich curriculum and our links with other schools, both local and global, illustrate our commitment to exploring our school community and local community. Members of different faiths and religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.