Promoting Fundamental British values

At Downside Primary School, we are committed to ensuring that our children understand, and that we promote, the fundamental British Values, as outlined in the Education Act:

• Democracy
• Rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect and tolerance of those of a different faiths and beliefs

These values are integral to the running of the school and link to the school’s values, they are not ‘bolted’ onto our curriculum. The school has a values based curriculum; values including respect, forgiveness, responsibility, cooperation, trust and kindness. Our curriculum ensures all pupils spiritual, moral, social and cultural needs are met. 

We recognise our school community is changing and work hard to ensure all children feel part of the school. We promote and teach the children tolerance, understanding and respect for members of the Downside family and wider community with different faiths and religions. We enable children to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence through PSHE and through all the other areas of the curriculum.

The values are taught explicitly through PSHE and Religious Education (see curriculum overview document). We also teach British Values through planning and delivering a broad and balanced curriculum, which includes real opportunities for exploring the values. British Values are consistently reinforced within assemblies.