British Values 
At Shirehampton Primary School, we are fortunate that our pupils, their families, our staff and other partners represent a diverse range of home backgrounds. We teach a themed curriculum which links with the National Curriculum. It also incorporates the interests of pupils and supports them in becoming good local, national and global citizens of the future.
The Department for Education states that there is a need:
“To create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs”.
Our school reflects British values in all that we do. We nurture our pupils on their journey through life so they grow into caring, responsible and tolerant adults who make a positive difference to British society and to the wider world. We encourage them to be creative, unique, open-minded and independent individuals, respectful of themselves and others in our school, our local community and beyond.
At Shirehampton Primary School, we actively promote British values in the following ways:
Democracy
Pupils are encouraged to debate topics of interest, express their views and make a meaningful contribution to the running of the school. Pupils are listened to by adults and are taught to actively listen to one another, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard. They are taught how they can influence decision-making through the democratic process eg through the School Council, discussion groups, questionnaires and surveys. The school’s curriculum also includes information on the advantages and disadvantages of democracy and how it works in Britain.
Rule of Law
The importance of laws, whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced. We have a clear positive Behaviour Policy which helps pupils to make good choices about their behaviour. We use Restorative Justice and pupils are helped to distinguish right from wrong, in the classroom, during assemblies and in the playground. Pupils are encouraged to respect the law and Shirehampton Primary School enjoys visits from services such as the Police, Fire, Ambulance and Army services to help reinforce the message.
Individual Liberty
At school, pupils are encouraged, and given the freedom to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment, eg challenging themselves in their learning. They are supported to develop self-knowledge, self-confidence and a growth mind set in all areas of school life. Pupils are taught to understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms in a safe way and we have key responsibilities in school that pupils are encouraged to undertake.
Mutual Respect & Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths & Beliefs
Respect is one of our core values. Pupils understand that respect is shown to everyone, both adults and children. We help them to develop an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures. Staff and pupils are encouraged to challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour. Links with local faith communities and visits to places of worship is promoted and people from different faiths are invited to school to share their experiences in assemblies and in class. Through the curriculum, pupils are encouraged to discuss and respect differences and similarities between people. We offer a culturally rich and diverse curriculum in which all major religions are studied and pupils learn about the world they live in.