British Values and Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural (SMSC) Development

The Department for Education (DfE) has emphasised the importance of ensuring that all schools actively promote fundamental British values. These include:

• Democracy
• The Rule of Law
• Individual Liberty
• Mutual Respect and Tolerance for Different Faiths and Beliefs

At Bilton C of E Junior School, we incorporate these values into everyday school life—through interactions with staff, pupils, and parents, as well as across the curriculum and extracurricular activities.

What Are Fundamental British Values?

As part of their spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, pupils are encouraged to understand and embrace these core values. Our aim is to prepare children for life in modern Britain by helping them appreciate:

• The importance of challenging discrimination
• How to engage in democratic processes, such as voting and petitions
• The right to freedom of faith and belief under British law
• That laws exist to protect and support society

How Are These Values Promoted in School?

We integrate British values into the curriculum in age-appropriate ways. For example, lessons explore different cultural traditions, religious beliefs, and historical perspectives on democracy and justice.

Extracurricular activities also reinforce these values—whether through team sports that emphasise fair play, school council meetings where pupils vote on issues, or classroom discussions about current events.

As part of our duty to promote balanced perspectives, we ensure that children are exposed to a range of viewpoints. We also take a firm stance against prejudiced or extremist views, implementing safeguarding measures to protect pupils.

Faith and Religious Expression in School

Absolutely! Respecting different faiths and beliefs is a key British value. We teach pupils that British law protects their freedom to practice their religion.

Any form of discrimination or prejudice based on faith is not tolerated at Bilton C of E Junior School, and we encourage an environment where all pupils feel valued and included.

How Do These Values Shape Learning?

British values are embedded throughout the curriculum. For example:

• Religious Education (RE) and PSHE lessons explore themes of respect, responsibility, and diversity.
• Teachers encourage pupils to reflect on how British values connect to subjects like history, literature, and citizenship.
• Assemblies and discussions highlight these principles in real-world contexts.

Core British Values in Action

Democracy

At the start of each school year, pupils work together to create class rules or a Code of Conduct. These are displayed in classrooms and revisited throughout the year.

Children also participate in decision-making through the school council, where elected representatives discuss important school-wide issues and projects.

The Rule of Law

We emphasise the importance of rules and laws—whether in the classroom, school, or wider society. Pupils learn why laws exist, the responsibilities they entail, and the consequences of breaking them.

These lessons are reinforced daily through school routines, behavior expectations, and assemblies.

Individual Liberty

We encourage pupils to make choices confidently within a safe and supportive environment. Through PSHE, e-safety lessons, and assemblies, they learn about their rights, responsibilities, and personal freedoms.

Mutual Respect

Respect is at the heart of everything we do. Pupils are taught that their actions impact others and that everyone in our school community deserves to be treated with kindness and consideration. Staff model these values to create a respectful and inclusive environment.

Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs

We celebrate diversity through assemblies, classroom discussions, and storytelling. Our PSHE and RE curriculum provides opportunities for pupils to learn about different religions and cultures.

Virtual visits to places of worship and collaborative activities help foster understanding and tolerance, ensuring that children work and play together positively, regardless of background.

Want to Learn More?

If you have any questions about how we promote British values at Bilton C of E Junior School, please don’t hesitate to contact us.