Pilsley C of E School
Fundamental British Values and Protected Characteristics
British Values Statement
Protected Characteristics document
British Values
Pilsley Church of England Primary School is committed to serving the community of Pilsley, its parish and its surrounding areas. It recognises the multi-cultural, multi faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom, and therefore those it serves. It also understands the vital role it has in ensuring that groups or individuals within the school are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.
The school, as a ‘Church of England School’, accepts admissions from all those entitled to an education under British law, including pupils of all faiths or none. It follows the policies outlined by it’s governing body regarding equal opportunities, which guarantee that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or similar. It seeks to serve all.
Her Majesty’s Government emphasises that schools are required to ensure that key ‘British Values’ are taught in all UK schools. The government set out its definition of British values in the ‘Prevent Strategy’ - values of:
• democracy
• the rule of law
• individual liberty
• mutual respect
• tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
and this definition has been used in the Independent School Standards since January 2013. This definition remains the same in the new standards.
Should you feel that the school is not meeting this requirement, you should contact the school office and request to express your concerns with the Head teacher. Likewise, if you feel that anyone working at the school is, intentionally or otherwise undermining these values, you should report this to the Head teacher.
The school does, though a wide range of activities, secure such standards and uses strategies within the National Curriculum and beyond to secure appropriate outcomes for children. The list below outlines samples of when and where such British Values are shared. The list is not exhaustive, and represents only some of what we do.
Subject studies: Developing the skill base required to access/share information, make/express opinions or decisions and apply themselves to society and the world. This includes the understanding and use of money, effective writing and reading skills, collaborative work to discuss and research ideas and concepts, and gain a broad and balanced understanding of the society in which they live. Further aspects of study include historical and geographical contexts of the United Kingdom, incorporating local and national evolution, as well as international comparisons.
Whole school daily acts of collective worship: The sharing of stories, images, events and expectations that, with clarity and precision, promote the values expressed. Such proceedings vary in the methodology of delivery in order to secure interest and understanding and are designed to impact on children regardless of knowledge, experience or cognitive maturity. As a ‘Church of England School’, ‘collective worship’ is Christian in denomination but recognises that those attending may have a wide range of faiths, or none.
Religious Education: Gaining a greater understanding of religious diversity and practices, which covers key religions represented in the UK.
(As a Voluntary Aided Church of England School we have designed our own RE scheme of work which is broadly Christian in nature. Our scheme is also designed to encompass and study all other major faiths and belief systems).
Physical Education: Promotion of the concept of ‘fair play’, following and developing rules, inclusion, celebrating and rewarding success, being magnanimous in defeat and participation in activities that promote kinship and affiliation with others.
School Council: Promotion of democratic processes, fostering the concept and application of freedom of speech and group action to address needs and concerns. Key to this is the concept of holding others to account, including those in positions of authority and influence.
British Values Day
