The British Values are:
- Democracy
- The Rule of Law
- Individual Liberty
- Mutual Respect
- Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs
How do we promote British Values?
Democracy
Children learn about democracy through:
- School Council – children are elected by their peers to represent their class, learning about voting, campaigns and representing others
- Pupil voice – children’s opinions are sought and valued across school life
- Assemblies – exploring democratic processes and current events through our weekly Picture News assemblies
- History – studying how democracy has developed over time, including the struggle for voting rights
- PSHE – discussing decision-making, fairness and having a say
Example: Children learn about elections, create manifestos and vote for their School Council representatives, experiencing democracy in action.
The Rule of Law
Children learn about the rule of law through:
- School rules and expectations – understanding why we have rules and the consequences of breaking them
- Assemblies – discussing laws, justice and fairness through Picture News
- Visits from the community – learning from police officers, firefighters and other professionals about how laws keep us safe
- PSHE – exploring rights, responsibilities and the difference between right and wrong
- History – studying how laws have changed over time, including the work of significant individuals who fought for justice
Example: Children understand that rules and laws apply to everyone and that there are consequences for our actions.
Individual Liberty
Children learn about individual liberty through:
- Making choices – children have opportunities to make choices about their learning, play and participation in school life
- Expressing opinions – children are encouraged to share their views, ideas and feelings in a safe environment
- Assemblies – exploring freedom, rights and responsibilities through Picture News
- PSHE – learning about personal boundaries, keeping safe and making informed choices
- Our curriculum – celebrating individuality, creativity and personal achievement
Example: As an OPaL Platinum school, children have freedom to choose how and what they play, developing independence and decision-making skills.
Mutual Respect
Children learn about mutual respect through:
- Our school values – respect is at the heart of our school community
- Assemblies – celebrating diversity and exploring respect through Picture News
- PSHE – learning about empathy, kindness and treating others as we wish to be treated
- Our curriculum – studying diverse cultures, communities and perspectives in History, Geography, RE and across all subjects
- Daily interactions – modelling and expecting respectful behaviour towards everyone in our school community
Example: Our curriculum reflects the diversity and richness of global society, and children learn about significant figures from diverse backgrounds throughout their learning.
Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs
Children learn about tolerance through:
- RE curriculum – studying different religions, beliefs and worldviews
- Assemblies – celebrating festivals and exploring different perspectives through Picture News
- Our diverse community – valuing and celebrating the many languages, cultures, faiths and traditions represented in our school
- PSHE – learning about difference, diversity and challenging stereotypes
- Our curriculum – exploring different cultures, beliefs and ways of life in History, Geography and across all subjects
Example: Children learn about major world religions, celebrate festivals from different faiths, and understand that people have different beliefs which should be respected.
Picture News
Each week, we use Picture News in our assemblies. Picture News provides a topical image and question that encourages children to discuss and explore current events, British Values and important issues affecting our world.
Every Picture News assembly has an explicit link to British Values, helping children to understand how these values relate to real-life situations and current events. Through these discussions, children develop critical thinking skills, learn to express their opinions respectfully, and understand different perspectives.
British Values Across Our Curriculum
British Values are not taught in isolation – they are woven throughout our curriculum:
- History – children study democracy in Ancient Greece, the fight for equality (including the work of Rosa Parks, Walter Tull, and the Windrush generation), and how laws and society have changed over time
- Geography – children learn about diverse communities, migration, and global citizenship
- PSHE – children explore rights, responsibilities, relationships and respect
- English – children read texts that explore different perspectives, cultures and values
- RE – children study different faiths and worldviews, developing understanding and respect
Preparing Children for Life in Modern Britain
By actively promoting British Values, we prepare our children to:
- Be responsible, respectful citizens
- Understand and appreciate diversity
- Make positive contributions to society
- Challenge discrimination and prejudice
- Thrive in modern Britain and the wider world
At Morningside Primary School, we are proud to develop children who are advocates for change and architects of their own futures, equipped with the values they need to succeed in life.