What are British values?

According to the Department of Education (DfE), British values are:

• democracy; 
• the rule of law; 
• individual liberty; 
• mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith

Why teach British Values ?

• to enable students to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence
• to enable students to distinguish right from wrong and to respect the civil and criminal law of England
• to encourage students to accept responsibility for their behaviour, show initiative, and to understand how they can contribute positively to the lives of those living and working in the locality of the school and to society more widely
• to enable students to acquire a broad general knowledge of and respect for public institutions and services in England
• to further tolerance and harmony between different cultural traditions by enabling students to acquire an appreciation for and respect for their own and other cultures
• to encourage respect for other people, and
• to encourage respect for democracy and support for participation in the democratic processes, including respect for the basis on which the law is made and applied in England.

At Dame Ellen these values are embedded in all our practice throughout the entire curriculum. Our Topic Curriculum provides many opportunities for British Values to be promoted with the children.  In addition British Values form a key part of our Personal, Health and Social Education and RE Curriculum.  If you require further information please ask your child's class teacher or the Assistant Head. 

More information about the teaching of British values can also be found on the DfE site - please click on the button below