Our Statement of British Values

British Values

The Department for Education state that there is a need “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.”

At Ampney Crucis C of E, these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways.

Democracy

Democracy is embedded at the school. Pupils are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and with concern to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard. Pupils also have the opportunity to air their opinions and ideas through our School Council and regular questionnaires and pupil interviews. The elections of the School Council members are based solely on pupil votes, reflecting our British electoral system and demonstrating democracy in action. Democracy is also an element of, our PSHE curriculum  and during KS2 children have opportunities to explore democracy through the local and national political systems.

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced. Our Christian values are deeply embedded and form the basis of our code of conduct. In KS2 children also have the opportunity to visit the Houses of Parliament to gain a deeper understanding of the legal system and its history.

Individual Liberty

Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for our pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and an empowering education. Our pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely; examples of this can be clearly seen in our e-safety and P.S.H.E. lessons. Whether it is through choice of challenge; of how they record; of participation in our numerous extra- curricular activities; our pupils are given the freedom to make choices.

Mutual Respect

The pupils understand that respect is essential in order that we exist in harmony with each other. It is expected that respect is shown to everyone, whatever differences we may have and to everything, however big or small. 

Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs

Our Christian value of Respect ensures tolerance of those who have different faiths and beliefs. Ampney Crucis enhances pupils’ understanding of different faiths and beliefs through religious education studies including visits to a range of places of worship and inviting pupils to talk about their own faith. Through this our pupils gain an enhanced understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society.