At St. Ethelbert’s, we are dedicated to integrating British Values into our curriculum to prepare our children for life in modern Britain. These values are deeply embedded in our teaching and school culture, ensuring that our children grow up to be responsible, respectful, and active members of society. Here is how we incorporate each of the British Values into our curriculum:

Democracy

At St. Ethelbert’s, we foster an understanding of democracy by encouraging our children to participate in decision-making processes. Through our pupil leadership groups, children learn about the importance of having a voice and the responsibilities that come with it. We hold regular class discussions and debates, allowing students to express their opinions and listen to others. By voting on various issues, children experience first-hand the democratic process and learn the value of democracy. Visits to the Mayor’s Parlour and the Houses of Parliament also provide our children with real-life contexts, seeing democracy at work in the world.

Rule of Law

Understanding and respecting the rule of law is a key component of our curriculum. We teach our children the importance of laws in maintaining order and protecting individuals. Through classroom rules, school policies, and discussions about national laws, children learn about the consequences of breaking rules and the reasons behind them.

Individual Liberty

We encourage our children to make independent choices and understand their rights and freedoms. Our curriculum is designed to help children develop a strong sense of self and confidence in their abilities. We provide a safe and supportive environment where our children can express themselves, explore their interests, and pursue their passions. Lessons on personal responsibility and the impact of choices on themselves and others help children appreciate the balance between liberty and accountability.

Mutual Respect

Mutual respect is at the heart of our school ethos. We teach our children to appreciate and respect the differences and similarities between people. In our highly diverse community, our children learn to value each other’s similarities and differences and treat others with kindness and consideration. Our inclusive environment ensures that every children feels valued and respected, fostering a culture of empathy and understanding.

Tolerance of Those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

In our diverse school community, we promote tolerance and respect for all religions and beliefs, encouraging open dialogue, mutual understanding, and a welcoming environment where every individual is valued and their faith is recognised and respected. Our Religious Education curriculum teaches the children about different religions, and we make good use of the experiences of our own pupils, parents and staff members, who share their beliefs within lessons. Guest speakers from different faith communities, as well as visits to places of worship also enrich the curriculum and  help to broaden our children’s perspectives and promote a harmonious school community.

By embedding these British Values into our curriculum, we aim to nurture well-rounded individuals who are prepared to contribute positively to society. At St. Ethelbert’s, we believe that understanding and embracing these values is essential for our children to thrive in an increasingly diverse community.