British Values

At Petworth Primary School we are committed to 'ensuring our children become valuable and fully rounded members of society, who treat others with respect and tolerance, regardless of background’.

Through actively promoting and embedding the fundamental British Values of democracy; rule of law; individual liberty; mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs, we aim to prepare our pupils for life in modern Britain.

Democracy

• Pupils are given an opportunity to voice opinions and be involved in decision making through school councils

• All children are listened to and encouraged to express their views

• The school actively promotes the democratic process; pupils are involved in ‘elections’ for school councils and the role of ambassadors

• Pupil voice is expressed through annual questionnaires on both school life and specific curriculum areas

• Children agree on their ‘class charter’ at the beginning of each year and this is displayed and actively used by pupils and adults as to what is agreed acceptable behaviour.

Rule of Law

• School rules and expectations are clear and fair

• The importance of laws and rules, whether those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced and pupils are supported in distinguishing right from wrong

• Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken

• Visits from the police, fire service etc are regular occurrences in school and help reinforce the message of respecting the law

• We are committed to praising children’s efforts. Children are rewarded not only for achievement in curriculum areas, but for also for good behaviour

   

Individual Liberty

• The school supports children to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence

• Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their behaviour and the consequences of making certain choices

• Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms

• Through our participation in UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools pupils develop an understanding of the rule of law around their rights and responsibilities

Mutual Respect and Tolerance

• The school ethos is based around the core Christian value of ‘respect’

• The school promotes respect for and actively celebrates individual differences whether faith, belief, ethnicity, sexuality or disability

• The school helps children acquire an understanding of and respect for both their own and other cultures and an appreciation of their place in a culturally diverse society

• Prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour is challenged