At Kedington Primary Academy, we help children develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to become caring, responsible and active members of society. The values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance are an important part of school life and are woven throughout our curriculum, school values and daily experiences.
Our school vision, “Appreciating what we have, aspiring to greater things,” encourages children to value themselves and others, take pride in their community and develop the confidence to make a positive difference in the world around them.
Rather than being taught as a standalone subject, British Values are threaded through everything we do. They are explored through our curriculum, assemblies, pupil leadership opportunities, classroom discussions, educational visits and everyday interactions between children and adults.
How We Help Children Develop British Values
We support children to:
- Understand the difference between right and wrong and make positive choices.
- Develop honesty, kindness, fairness and responsibility.
- Respect the rights, opinions and beliefs of others.
- Express their views confidently and appropriately.
- Listen to and consider different viewpoints.
- Understand the importance of rules and why they help keep us safe and happy.
- Develop confidence, independence and resilience.
- Recognise and celebrate the diversity of modern Britain.
Democracy
We teach children that their opinions matter and that everyone has the right to be heard.
Children experience democracy through:
- Electing representatives to the School Council and Eco-Schools Committee.
- Taking part in regular whole-school votes on issues that affect school life.
- Sharing their views through pupil questionnaires and discussions.
- Contributing ideas during class meetings and PSHE lessons.
These opportunities help children understand how democratic decisions are made and how they can contribute positively to their community.
The Rule of Law
Children learn that rules and laws help keep people safe, protect rights and enable communities to work well together.
We promote this through:
- Clear and consistent school expectations.
- Class charters and agreed classroom rules.
- Restorative approaches to behaviour.
- Discussions about fairness, responsibility and consequences.
- Learning about laws and rules through the curriculum and assemblies.
Individual Liberty
We encourage children to make choices, express themselves and develop independence while understanding the importance of responsibility.
Children are supported to:
- Take ownership of their learning.
- Develop confidence in their own ideas and abilities.
- Make informed choices.
- Try new activities and experiences.
- Understand how to stay safe both online and offline.
Mutual Respect
Respect is at the heart of our school community.
Children learn to:
- Treat others with kindness and consideration.
- Value different opinions and perspectives.
- Work cooperatively with others.
- Celebrate one another’s achievements.
- Show respect for themselves, their peers and adults.
Mutual respect is reinforced through our school values, assemblies, PSHE lessons and everyday interactions across the school.
Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs
We are proud of the diversity of modern Britain and encourage children to appreciate and learn from different cultures, faiths and backgrounds.
Children develop this understanding through:
- Religious Education lessons.
- Learning about different cultures and communities.
- Assemblies and themed events.
- Diverse books, resources and curriculum content.
- Opportunities to discuss similarities and differences respectfully.
We encourage all children to be curious, open-minded and respectful, helping them to develop an understanding of the world beyond their own experiences.
British Values in Everyday School Life
British Values are not simply taught in lessons; they are lived throughout our school community. They are reflected in our relationships, our curriculum, our assemblies and the opportunities children have to contribute to school life.
By embedding these values throughout children’s experiences at Kedington Primary Academy, we help them become confident, respectful and responsible individuals who are well prepared for life in modern Britain.