Promoting British Values at Holy Apostles’ Primary School

The Department of Education (DfE) directs 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 Holy Apostles’ these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy

Democracy is highly valued at the school.   We consider it important that children have opportunities for their voices to be heard.  We have a School Council whose members are voted in by their class (one boy and one girl), the Head Teacher and the Deputy Head Teacher.  Council members meet regularly to discuss issues raised in their class. Pupil questionnaires and pupil voice meetings also provide opportunities for views to be put forward. 

The Rule of Law

The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, is consistently reinforced throughout the school day as well as when dealing with behavioural issues and through school assemblies. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws that govern and protect us, the responsibilities that these involve and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Local MP, Mayor, Police and Fire Service etc. are part of our calendar and help to reinforce this message.

Individual Liberty

Our 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 our pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and wide range of learning opportunities.  Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely through, for example, our E-Safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it be through choice of challenge, recording work, participating in our extra-curricular clubs and other opportunities, our pupils are given the freedom to make choices.

Mutual Respect and Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

Holy Apostles’ serves a multi-faith community where each person is respected and valued equally regardless of ability, gender, faith, heritage or race. Cultural appreciation and development forms part of our curriculum. We place great emphasis on providing opportunities for pupils to participate in events and celebrations to broaden their experiences and awareness of others. Our assemblies help all pupils to find out about themselves and others linking their lives to the communities to which they belong.