British Values
Blaise recognises the significance of students receiving a multi-faceted education supported by a strong set of British Values.
In November 2014 the Department of Education (DfE) published documentation reinforcing the promotion of spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development of young children and adolescents, including the requirement for schools to promote a set of fundamental British values with the aim of helping learners leave school prepared for life in modern Britain.
All schools are required to actively promote these values in order to: improve safeguarding; strengthen the barriers to extremism; ensure children become fully rounded members of society who treat others with respect and tolerance (regardless of background); and to ensure young people leave school fully prepared for life in modern Britain
What are British Values?
British Values refers to a set of values that the UK Government believes are important for children to learn. These are:
- Respect for the rule of law: everyone in society is treated equally and fairly, and that everyone follows the same rules and laws. This value promotes a sense of order and stability in society, and helps to prevent crime and other harmful behaviours. The UK justice system is a large part of this, including laws, police officers and courts.
- Individual liberty: allows people to pursue their own goals and interests, providing they do not harm others and is based on the idea that people should be free to make their own decisions and choices provided they are within the bounds of the law.
- Democracy: Democracy is the foundation of the UK's political system and is based on the idea that everyone should have an equal say in how their country is run, and that the government should be accountable to the people (e.g. voting, elections and referendums).
- Mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs: promoting the understanding and acceptance of people from different backgrounds and with different beliefs, helping to create a more inclusive and diverse society.
We actively promote British values through
- Focusing on and showing how the school’s work is effective in securing these values
- Challenging pupils, staff, visitors or parents who express opinions contrary to British values
The DfE places a duty on EYFS providers, schools and colleges to prepare pupils for life in modern Britain by developing their understanding of ‘fundamental British values’.
At Blaise, we promote British Values alongside our Blaise values. We do this through our curriculum, assemblies, wider opportunities, visits and visitors, discussions and literature.
We teach children how to think, not what to think. We strive to prepare them for later life as respectful, accepting, caring members of society.
