British Values

Statement of British Values

Westgate Primary School is committed to serving its community and the surrounding areas.  It recognises the multi-cultural, multi faith and every changing nature of the United Kingdom, and those it serves.  It also understands the vital role it has in ensuring that groups or individuals within the school and are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.

Westgate 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 its 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.

The Government emphasizes 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’:

• Democracy
• The rule of the law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect
• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

Should you feel that the school is not meeting this requirement, please contact the school office and request to express your concerns with the Headteacher.  Likewise, if you feel that anyone working at the school is, intentionally or otherwise undermining these values, you should report this to the Headteacher.

The school does, through a wide range of activities, secure such standards and uses strategies within the National Curriculum and beyond to secure such outcomes for children.  The list below outlines samples of when and where such British Values are shared.  The examples before are representative of the ways in which our school teaches British Values.

Subject Studies:

Developing the skill base required to access and share information, make and express decisions and apply themselves to society and the world.  These include 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.  Aspects of study beyond core skills include historical and geographical context of the United Kingdom, incorporating local, national and international comparisons.

Whole school daily assemblies:

The sharing of stories, events, music and expectations that promote the values expressed.  The delivery of the assemblies varies depending on the theme, in order to secure interest and understanding and assemblies are designed to impact on children regardless of knowledge, experience or cognitive maturity.  We recognise that those attending may have a wider range of faiths, or none.  It is however, in line with regulation and is ‘wholly or mainly of a broadly Christian character’ and we are visited by Reverend Jonathan Hearn every other Tuesday.

Religious Education:

Gaining a greater understanding of religious diversity and practices, which covers key religions represented in the UK.  Planning for the subject is directed by the ‘Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) – Warwickshire Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education.

Physical Education:

Promotion of the concept of ‘fair play’, following and developing rules, inclusion of all regardless of ability or disability, celebrating and rewarding success, accepting and learning from defeat and participation in activities that promote team work.

School Council:

Promotion of democratic processes, as the school council members are voted for by their peers following a speech to outline their plans for school improvement. Fostering the concept of freedom of speech and group action to address needs and concerns.  We also focus on holding others in positions of authority and influence to account.