British Values

In line with the Department for Education’s expectations, Rossington St Michael’s is committed to actively promoting the fundamental British values that underpin life in modern Britain. These values help prepare our pupils to become responsible, respectful and active citizens.

Pupils are encouraged to show respect and tolerance towards people of all faiths, races and cultures, and to understand that while individuals may hold different views about what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, everyone living in England is subject to the rule of law.

The five key British Values we promote are:

Democracy
The Rule of Law
Individual Liberty
Mutual Respect
Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

Democracy

We aim to:

• Involve pupils in decision-making processes, including planning activities and events.
• Gather pupil views regularly and ensure all voices are listened to.
• Hold mock elections or debates to develop reasoning and communication skills.
• Provide opportunities to visit local councils, Parliament, or host talks from MPs and councillors.
• Teach pupils how public services operate and how they are held accountable.
• Explore the principles and history of democracy through the curriculum.
• Model how to challenge injustice peacefully and responsibly.

The Rule of Law

We aim to:

• Help pupils create class charters and understand their purpose.
• Make sure school rules are clear, fair and consistently reinforced.
• Promote respect for the law and how it protects individuals.
• Host visits from police officers and other public services.
• Teach the difference between civil, criminal, and religious laws in appropriate contexts.
• Use restorative approaches to resolve conflicts and encourage accountability.

Individual Liberty

We aim to:

• Encourage pupils to make choices and express preferences within safe boundaries.
• Challenge stereotypes and celebrate individual identity.
• Promote self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence.
• Provide open-ended tasks and a range of inclusive resources.
• Create an anti-bullying culture where all children feel safe and valued.
• Teach pupils to understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms.

Mutual Respect and Tolerance

We aim to:

• Foster respectful relationships across the school community.
• Celebrate diversity through festivals, cultural events, and curriculum content.
• Ensure resources reflect the diversity of modern Britain.
• Promote inclusive behaviour through activities that encourage turn-taking, cooperation and teamwork.
• Provide opportunities to visit different places of worship and invite faith leaders to school.
• Discuss different beliefs, cultures, family dynamics, and protected characteristics openly and respectfully.
• Address prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour with confidence and clarity.
• Work closely with families to ensure shared values of respect and inclusion are promoted at home and school.