Woodthorpe Church of England Primary School

Promoting British Values

The DfE have recently reinforced the 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.”

 At Woodthorpe these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy                                                                                                                 

Each year the children decide upon their class charter and the rights associated with these.  All the children contribute to the drawing up of the charter.

We have a student council which meets every month with the Headteacher to discuss issues raised in class.  The council is genuinely able to effect change within the school. Every child on the student council is voted in by their class.

Children have an annual questionnaire where they are able to put forward their views about the school.

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 Woodthorpe.

Pupils are taught from an early age the rules of the school.  These are our Golden Rules, Playground Rules and Safety Rules.  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 Woodthorpe, 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 advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our Online Safety, PSHCE and RSHE lessons.

Mutual Respect                                                                                                       

Mutual respect is at the heart of our Christian 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                                                      

At Woodthorpe we actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures.  Religious Education lessons, Collective Worship and PSHCE lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others.  We are committed to exploring our school community.  Members of different faiths and religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.