British Values at Telford Junior School

We believe it is so important that our pupils develop a strong set of values and principles during their time at Telford Junior School, and that they question and understand what it means to grow up in British society. Through a broad and balanced curriculum, we support pupils to reflect upon their role in a diverse, multicultural and multi faith society.

The Department for Education (DfE) set out British Values as:

•  Democracy.

•  The rule of law.

•  Individual liberty.

•  Mutual respect for and valuing* (tolerance of) those with different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith.

We enable our pupils to appreciate values of fairness and democracy through our broad curriculum and assemblies; as well as through our school council and computing squad. We encourage our pupils to volunteer, lead and support by taking on roles such as: Wellbeing Ambassadors, library monitors, assembly monitors and a variety of roles as classroom monitors. Children also access a PSHE curriculum that promotes democracy and rights and responsibilities. Please visit our community section, on the home page where we have shared information on these school groups.

We have high expectations of behaviour. Children have a clear understanding of the rule of law within our own school and of consequences for not following the expectations of the school community. Through the curriculum, children have opportunities to discuss the ‘UN Convention on the Rights of the Child’. There is a strong ethos in which children are supported to develop a sense of morality; knowing right from wrong and doing the right thing, linking it to British laws. They see that laws and rules are there to protect citizens and ensure wellbeing and safety.

Children are encouraged to take opportunities and follow interests and are supported both in external and school extra-curricular activities. Their achievements are shared and celebrated. With a focus on individual liberty, pupils learn how to keep themselves and others safe and are encouraged to take personal responsibility, make choices and have ambition and aspiration. They are exposed to positive role models.

Finally, we promote and nurture a culture of ‘respect and listening to each other’, embodied in the British value of mutual respect. Children are expressly taught to have respect for themselves, and for all people, including those of a different faith, gender, age, sexuality, or disability. All members of the school community make sure to challenge discrimination wherever it is found.

Our school’s RE curriculum provides a broad knowledge and understanding of major world faiths. Within this teaching, pupils are taught to recognise commonality of all people, as well as contrasts in faith and belief, and to value these equally. Debate and discussion is positively encouraged to enable children to value and gain a fuller understanding of diversity.

*The DfE guidance refers to this as ‘tolerance’ of different faiths and beliefs, however, we wish to show that we value those of all faiths and none, rather than simply tolerating difference.