British Values

Rusthall St Paul's Primary School is committed to serving its community. We recognise the multi-cultural, multi faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom. We also understand the vital role we have in ensuring that groups or individuals within the school are not subjected to intimidation or radicalization by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.

The school accepts admissions from all those entitled to an education under British law, including pupils of all faiths or none. We have clear policies in place regarding equal opportunities, which guarantee that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or similar. We seek to serve all.

The Government emphasises that schools are required to ensure that key ‘British Values’ are taught in all UK schools. The government set out its definition of British values in the ‘Prevent Strategy’ – values of:

• Democracy

An understanding of how citizens can influence decision-making through the democratic process.

• Rule of Law

An appreciation that living under the rule of law protects individual citizens and is essential for their wellbeing and safety.

• Individual Liberty

An understanding that there is a separation of power between the executive and the judiciary, and that while some public bodies such as the police and the army can be held to account through Parliament, others such as the courts maintain independence.

• Mutual Respect

An understanding that the freedom to choose and hold other faiths and beliefs is protected in law.

• Tolerance of Different Faiths

An acceptance that other people having different faiths or beliefs to oneself (or having none) should be accepted and tolerated, and should not be the cause of prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour; and an understanding of the importance of identifying and combatting discrimination.

PSHE

Mutual respect is also taught within formal, PSHE and RE lessons and on an informal nature throughout the school day. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety policy and Rights Respecting lessons.

RE

Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs is promoted in RE as children gain a greater understanding of religious diversity and practices for those religions represented in the UK. . The local Churches and places of reflection like the war memorial are visited as part of the RE curriculum.

PE

Promotion of the concept of “fair play”, following and developing rules, celebrating and rewarding success, accepting defeat and participating in activities that promote cooperation with others and inclusion for all, form an integral part of the PE curriculum.

Involvement in key local and national events

In recent years, we celebrated the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II and the Wedding of Prince Harry and Megan Markle with special events, assemblies and themed lessons. Each year Armistice Day is remembered and children are encouraged to reflect on this. The school have also learned about the General Election and its role in ensuring British democracy.

For further information on how Rusthall St Paul's CE Primary School seeks to promote key British Values please contact the Head of School.