What are British values?

The Department of Education defines British values as having five different elements:

• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect
• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

As you scroll down, and click the above links, you will find more information on what each British value looks like at St Swithun’s Catholic Primary School.

What do British values teach children?

British values teach our children to:

• Respect the cultures and beliefs of others. As they progress through the school they learn how to promote tolerance and harmony between different cultural traditions by acquiring an appreciation for and respect for their own and other cultures.
• Know and celebrate that we are all special and as they get older they know how to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem, and self-confidence and those of others.
• Understand and support equal rights for all and as our children get older, they show respect for democracy and support for participation in the democratic processes, including respect for the basis on which the law is made and applied.
• Understand and respect the roles of people who help us.
• Understand that we have to follow rules to keep ourselves safe and to make sure things are fair, including understanding the consequences of our own actions. As our children progress through school we will support and encourage them to accept responsibility for their behaviour, show initiative, and 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.
• Treat everybody equally and show respect to all.
• Understand right from wrong, and as they get older respect the civil and criminal law system.
• Make their own choices. As they grow and progress we support them to understand that they have freedom to make choices as long as they respect the rights of others and follow the law.
• Listen to and respect other people’s opinions and values, even when they differ from our own.
• Know that we all have a say in decisions. As we get older we learn about democracy and how we can take part in decisions that affect the way the school community and the wider world is run.

British values work alongside our Catholic Social Teaching keys and school mission statement.