What are British Values?

British Values underpin what it is to be a citizen in a modern and diverse Great Britain, valuing our community and celebrating the diversity of the UK. Fundamental British Values are not exclusive to being British and are shared by other democratic countries as a way of creating an orderly society, where individual members can feel safe, valued and can contribute for the good of themselves and others.

We promote British Values to reflect life in modern Britain. These values are Democracy, Rule of Law, Respect and Tolerance, Individual Liberty.  In all our provision, both academic and otherwise, we endeavour for our diverse school community to develop an understanding of British values and a strong desire to uphold them both now and as future British citizens. 

We want to help our children prepare for adult life as citizens of Britain by

• Developing their self-confidence and self-esteem.
• Developing their understanding of right and wrong, and their respect for the law.
• Encouraging them to take responsibility for their behaviour.
• Encouraging involvement in the community and wider society.
• Encouraging respect for the public services and institutions of Britain.
• Promoting tolerance of and respect for all cultures and faiths.
• Encouraging participation in the democratic process. 

Democracy

A culture built upon freedom and equality, where everyone is aware of their rights and responsibilities.

To encourage democracy at Bitterne Manor we:

• Hold class voting for the election of school Learning Leaders
• Provide pupils with a broad general knowledge of, and promote respect for, public institutions and services
• Teach pupils how they can influence decision-making through the democratic process.
• Regularly look at this through assemblies and our school curriculum.
• Teach topics that look at democracy within different societies (for example, in Year 5 they learn about the government and society within Athens and can draw comparisons to their work on the Chinese Dynasties) 
• Encourage pupils to become involved in decision-making processes and ensure they are listened to in school.
• Encourage pupils to express their views through open discussions, pupil interviews and lessons
• Model how perceived injustice can be peacefully challenged

The Rule of Law

The need for rules to make a happy, safe and secure environment to live and work.

To encourage Rule of Law at Bitterne Manor we:

• Ensure school rules and expectations are clear and fair
• Each class creates their own class rules at the beginning of the year.
• Help pupils to distinguish right from wrong
• Within our PSHE curriculum, pupils are taught the value of and reasons behind laws – that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences of breaking laws. 
• Explore laws and what to do if peer pressure is trying to persuade children to break these during PSHE lessons

Individual liberty

Protection of your rights and the rights of others around you.

To encourage Individual Liberty at Bitterne Manor we:

• Encourage and empower our pupils to make their own choices and grow in independence, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment.
• Support pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem, self-confidence through a variety of activities.
• Encourage pupils to take responsibility for their behaviour, as well as know their rights.
• Model freedom of speech through pupil participation, while ensuring protection of vulnerable pupils
• Challenge stereotypes through PSHE lessons, discussions, assemblies and within resources and our environments.
• Implement a strong anti-bullying culture.

Mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs

Understanding that we don't all share the same beliefs and values. Respecting those values, ideas and beliefs of others whilst not imposing our own onto them.

To encourage mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs at Bitterne Manor we:

• Aim for all pupils within our diverse school to accept one another and learn about events, festivals and beliefs that are important to members of our school community.
• Explore positive role models through assemblies and topics.
• Challenge any prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour
• Our RE scheme ensures that our children have a good understanding of a range of religious beliefs and customs.
• Help pupils to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life.  
• Celebrate many British festivals and special events.

What is SMSC?

SMSC stands for the Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development of children. It is not taught as a separate subject but is developed through lessons, school values, behaviour expectations and the wider life of the school. Through subjects such as PSHE and RE, assemblies and everyday experiences, pupils learn to reflect on their values, understand right and wrong, work well with others and appreciate different cultures and beliefs.

At Bitterne Manor Primary School, SMSC helps children develop respect, responsibility and an understanding of British Values, preparing them to take part positively in modern society.

Spiritual

Spiritual development involves exploring beliefs and experiences, reflecting on personal values and respecting the beliefs and feelings of others. It encourages curiosity about the world, creativity and imagination, and helps children understand their place in a wider community.

At Bitterne Manor Primary School, spiritual development is supported through:

• Daily assemblies that promote a sense of belonging to the school community
• Opportunities for reflection within lessons and across the curriculum
• A topic-based curriculum that encourages curiosity and wonder about the world
• RE and PSHE lessons that explore different cultures and beliefs
• Reading materials that promote understanding of diverse cultures
• Quiet spaces around the school grounds for reflection
• Creative and imaginative learning opportunities
• Mixed-age activities and enrichment experiences that build community.

Moral 

Moral development involves understanding the difference between right and wrong, recognising the consequences of actions and respecting the rules and laws that support life in modern Britain. It also encourages pupils to consider moral and ethical issues and to respect the views and perspectives of others.

At Bitterne Manor Primary School, moral development is supported through:

• Promoting our core values: Using our Heads, Using our Hearts and Using our Hands
• Clear behaviour expectations, class rules and reward systems such as House Points and the Golden Book
• Opportunities to discuss behaviour and learning through class discussions and Learning Leaders
• PSHE lessons that explore right and wrong, fairness and respect for others
• Using texts and discussions in lessons to explore different perspectives and situations
• Year 6 pupils acting as positive role models within the school
• An active School Council where pupils share ideas and opinions
• A strong focus on inclusion and being a School of Sanctuary.

Social

Social development involves learning to work and communicate effectively with others, developing positive relationships and understanding how to contribute to society. It also includes understanding and respecting the British Values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance.

At Bitterne Manor Primary School, social development is supported through:

• Opportunities to work and socialise with a range of pupils across the school
• Participation in extracurricular clubs and collaborative learning activities
• A strong pupil voice through Learning Leaders and the School Council
• PSHE lessons that develop emotional understanding and relationship skills
• Fundraising and community activities such as charity events
• Promoting environmental responsibility and sustainable choices
• Being a School of Sanctuary, encouraging inclusion and respect for all
• Support for pupils’ emotional wellbeing through ELSA and talk groups
• Teaching e-safety and responsible online behaviour
• Supporting smooth transitions between year groups and to secondary school.

Cultural

Cultural development involves understanding and appreciating the wide range of cultures, traditions and influences that shape our society and the wider world. It encourages respect for diversity and helps pupils recognise the values and experiences shared across different communities.

At Bitterne Manor Primary School, cultural development is supported through:

• Democratic processes such as voting for Pupil Learning Leaders
• Learning about different cultures, religions and traditions through RE, topics, assemblies and celebrations
• Opportunities to explore art, music, sport and other cultural activities
• Celebrating events from a range of religious and cultural calendars
• High-quality reading materials that reflect diverse cultures and experiences
• Residential visits that build independence and teamwork
• Links with the local community, including the church and secondary schools.