British Values

Promoting British Values at KWPS

At Kirkham and Wesham Primary School, we are committed to preparing our children for life in modern Britain by promoting the core British values outlined in the Department for Education’s 2014 guidance on ‘Promoting British Values as part of SMSC in Schools’. These values are:

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

These values are not taught in isolation but are woven through our curriculum, assemblies, school ethos and daily life. They reflect our school vision of creating a caring, aspirational environment where all children can believe in themselves, grow into confident individuals, and contribute positively to the world around them.

How We Promote British Values at KWPS

Democracy
We teach our children the importance of having a voice and being heard. Our School Council is elected by the pupils and gives them a chance to make decisions and share their ideas. In class, children vote on topics, contribute to decision-making, and learn about democratic processes in PSHE and topic work.

The Rule of Law
Children are taught from the earliest age the importance of rules and laws. These include the rules that help our school run smoothly, as well as those that govern our country. Through PSHE lessons, behaviour expectations and assemblies, children learn the value of laws, why they exist, and what happens when they are broken. Visits from local police and community support officers help bring this learning to life.

Individual Liberty
At KWPS, we encourage children to be independent, make their own choices and take responsibility for them. We help children understand their rights, how to make safe choices, and how to express themselves respectfully. Within a safe and supportive environment, children are encouraged to try new things and develop their confidence.

Mutual Respect
Respect is a key part of our school values. Children learn that their actions have an effect on themselves and others. We promote respect for others through our behaviour policy, restorative approaches, and regular reflection. Children are taught to listen, work cooperatively, and show empathy in every area of school life.

Tolerance of Those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
We actively celebrate the rich diversity of our school community. Through RE lessons, PSHE, assemblies and celebrations of different cultural events, children learn about and show respect for the beliefs and lifestyles of others. We explore key religious festivals and traditions from many world religions to encourage understanding and appreciation.

Being Proud to Be Part of Britain
While we celebrate the unique heritage of all our families, we also value what it means to be part of Britain. Throughout the year, we recognise key national events and celebrations such as Remembrance Day, Harvest Festival, and Safer Internet Day. We also take part in national charity days and community projects, helping children to understand their role as active, responsible citizens.

Learning Through the Curriculum

Across the curriculum, children are given opportunities to explore British life, history, geography and culture. For example:

• In geography, children learn about UK landmarks, coasts, rivers and how Britain fits into the wider world.
• In history, we study key events and figures such as the Great Fire of London, Florence Nightingale, the Tudors, and World War II.
• Through English, PSHE, and themed weeks, children explore current issues, develop critical thinking, and reflect on what it means to live in a fair and democratic society.

At KWPS, British values are not just taught – they are lived. They are reflected in how we treat one another, how we celebrate together, and how we help our pupils grow into thoughtful, respectful and responsible young people.

Cross-Curricular British Values Map 

British Value	Subject Areas	Examples & Links
Democracy	PSHE, History, English, Assemblies	School Council elections, voting on class rules, debating topics in English
Rule of Law	PSHE, History, PE, Computing	Understanding classroom/school rules, Law in Roman Britain, rules in team games, online safety expectations
Individual Liberty	PSHE, RE, Art, English	Making choices in school life, personal beliefs, expressing identity in Art, writing about personal experiences
Mutual Respect	PSHE, RE, English, Geography	Group discussions, learning about diverse communities, respect for others’ opinions, teamwork activities
Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs	PSHE, RE, Music, Geography	Learning about world religions, visiting places of worship, exploring music from different cultures, festivals around the world

 

British Values in EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) 

British Value	EYFS Area	Links and Examples
Democracy	PSED, Understanding the World	Turn-taking, voting for story choices, circle time listening and turn-taking
Rule of Law	PSED, Communication and Language	Learning routines, understanding right from wrong, stories with consequences
Individual Liberty	PSED, Expressive Arts & Design	Choosing own activities, expressing preferences, independent decisions in play
Mutual Respect	PSED, Communication and Language, UW	Cooperative play, celebrating differences, group discussions
Tolerance	Understanding the World, RE, EAD	Learning about other cultures/religions, family traditions, multicultural stories