British Values

Our government believes that;

"British society is founded on fundamental values and principles, which all those living in the UK should respect and support. These values are reflected in the responsibilities, rights and privileges of being a British citizen or permanent resident of the UK. They are based on history and traditions and are protected by law, customs and expectations. There is no place in British society for extremism or intolerance."

We support this view of British society at William Levick Primary School.

Democracy

At William Levick Primary School the School Council comprises representatives from all classes, who are voted for democratically. The School Council are then involved in a variety of decision-making opportunities which they are then responsible for disseminating back to the rest of their class. All children are involved at some level with understanding democracy, as we encourage children to know their views count, to value each others' views and to talk about their feelings. Children also see democracy in action with shows of hands. We hope this helps children to understand how working together for the good of the school creates positive relationships and is a valuable preparation for future life in our democratic society.

The rule of law

To help children understand how society cannot operate without a set of laws, we teach them how our school rules create an ordered, fair and safe place in which to learn. The children understand that these rules and codes of behaviour, often found in their own individual classes also, apply to everyone for the benefit of everyone. We also foster, through the curriculum and assemblies, an understanding of consequences and of right and wrong.

Individual liberty

At William Levick Primary School, children have opportunities to make individual choices and express their opinions safely and appropriately. This develops their character, self-belief and their sense of empathy as they are encouraged to develop these qualities in the context of the rights and needs of other members of our school community. We aim for children to develop a positive sense of themselves and increase confidence in their own abilities eg taking risks on obstacle courses, mixing colours, talking about their experiences. We also encourage the children to explore the language of feelings and responsibility, reflect on differences and understand we are free to have different opinions.

Mutual respect

Through developing tolerance and mutual understanding children are encouraged to respect themselves and to respect the rights of other people. This principle underpins our behaviour policy and is put into practice in the classroom, around school, in the playground and though our assemblies.

Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

At William Levick Primary School we promote tolerance and respect, as well as an understanding and appreciation of those with different faiths and beliefs with a well-rounded curriculum and assembly programme, as well as with an ethos of inclusivity. Trips, visits and visitors also support our active promotion of tolerance and respect of those with different faiths and beliefs and of those with different cultures. We also show tolerance through sharing, turn-taking and respecting other's opinions. We believe in treating all others as you would want to be treated and challenge all stereotypes.