Cherry Grove Primary School British Values
At Cherry Grove, we teach the children about British Values. This is woven into our curriculum, our ethos, our core vision and values and our Rights-Respecting ethos. These values include respect for the rule of law, individual liberty, democracy, and mutual respect for and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.
What are the British Values?
1. Respect for the rule of law
Respect for the rule of law means that 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 behaviors. The UK justice system is a large part of this, including laws, police officers and courts. Children learn that all people and institutions are subject to and accountable for their actions and behaviour.
2. Individual liberty
Individual liberty allows people to pursue their own goals and interests, providing they do not harm others. This British value is based on the idea that people should be free to make their own decisions and choices within the bounds of the law, of course. Children learn to be free to express views or ideas.
3.Democracy
Democracy is the foundation of the UK's political system. This British value 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. All things voting, elections and referendums come in to play here. Children learn to be part of a system where everyone plays an equal part.
4. (a) Mutual respect and (b) tolerance of different faiths and beliefs
The fourth British Value is often split into two: (1) Mutual respect and (2) tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. Whether you view these as one whole, or as two individual values, they both promote understanding and acceptance of people from different backgrounds and with different beliefs, and help to create a more inclusive and diverse society. Children learn to respect and tolerate the opinions or behaviour of others.
Teaching and learning about these British Values is embedded within our curriculum, and is covered within our teaching across the foundation curriculum as well as PSHE/SMSC content.
See below some examples of the British Values in action at Cherry Grove.
SMSC
SMSC stands for Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural development, and it's a key aspect of education in the UK. Essentially, SMSC is about helping students develop a range of personal and social skills that will enable them to become well-rounded, responsible, and engaged members of society.
- Spiritual - Explore beliefs, experience and faiths, feelings and values; enjoy learning about oneself, others and the surrounding world; use imagination and creativity and reflect on experiences
- Moral - Recognise right and wrong and respect the law; understand consequences; investigate moral and ethical issues and offer reasoned views
- Social - Use a range of social skills to participate in the local community and beyond; appreciate diverse viewpoints; participate, volunteer and cooperate; resolve conflict
- Cultural - Appreciate cultural influences; appreciate the role of Britain’s parliamentary system; participate in culture opportunities; understand, accept, respect and celebrate diversity
As of Summer 2023, Cherry Grove is Bronze Level in the National SMSC Quality Mark.
