British Values

Promoting British Values at Great Chesterford C. of E. Primary

Visiting our school, you will see the fundamental British Values are promoted through our ethos and values; the curriculum; and through our teaching of Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC). We reinforce and promote the British Values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of different cultures and religions in a variety of ways. A select is outlined below:

Democracy – We all have a say

Each year, we vote to elect our School Council. Through the School Council, we have a say on policies, improvements to our school environment and choose charities to support. To enhance our learning on democracy, Kemi Badenoch MP and a Parliamentary Education Officer have visited our school.  

The Rule of Law – We know and follow our school values and the laws of our country

As a school, we agreed our school values and we follow our class expectations. We have a Behaviour Policy so that everyone can be treated fairly. Members of the Police and Fire Service visit our school and work with us to support our understanding of how to keep ourselves and others safe.

Individual Liberty – We make choices and know that we are responsible for our own behaviour

We have lots of opportunities to make choices in school – from which challenges we will complete in lessons to which clubs we would like to attend. Our school provides a safe and supportive environment to make decisions and learn about our rights and responsibilities. We find out about the choices we can make to live a happy and balanced lifestyle. 

Mutual Respect – We respect each other

We are encouraged to share our opinions and listen to others whether it is in our lessons, during collective worship, in Class and School Council meetings or at break time. A wide range of visitors come to our school to share their knowledge, from scientists to Baptist Ministers. We always listen respectfully and have the opportunity to ask questions.

Tolerance of Different Cultures and Religions – Together we are great!

Children of different faiths and cultures come to our school and we respect each other and work together.  

In RE, we learn about different religions and look at their similarities and differences. In our RE theme weeks, we have had visitors from different religions including practising Muslims and Buddhists who have shared their religion with us.  

We are currently part of Cambridge University’s DIALLS project which encourages us to develop an awareness of both our own and others' cultural identity. We also have completed exchange projects with a school in Ireland.