Christian and British Values
“a love of life and learning”
At Beedon CE Primary School, we draw our inspiration from John 10.10, “I came so that they could have life – indeed, so that they could live life to the fullest.” (John 15:12)
Beedon CE Primary School is a Christian Values-based school and these Values underpin all that we do.
This approach enables children to discuss, explore and reflect upon those values we live by which make us thoughtful, caring and responsible citizens. We explore a different Christian Value each half term, during our assemblies and lessons. Through this our children develop an understanding of themselves and their behaviour and are helped to realise how their actions affect others.
This year, we have chosen to reflect on each of our Core Christian Values in conjunction with our British values:
| Christian Value | British Values | |
| Autumn term 1 | Friendship | Individual Liberty, Tolerance |
| Autumn term 2 | Service | The Rule of Law, Democracy |
| Spring term 1 | Respect | Mutual Respect, Tolerance |
| Spring term 2 | Perseverance | Tolerance, Democracy |
| Summer Term 1 | Forgiveness | Mutual Respect, Tolerance |
| Summer term 2 | Hope | Individual Liberty, Rule of Law, Tolerance |
Pupils have a well-developed understanding of fundamental British values. There are many opportunities within the curriculum to broaden pupils’ understanding of diversity. For example, pupils learn about different types of families and how people with different backgrounds and beliefs live. Pupils also learn about showing caring and understanding to people who feel different. Assemblies are a highlight for many pupils. They learn about what spirituality means to Christians and to people from other religions. OFSTED December 2021
British Values
At Beedon CE Primary School we take very seriously our responsibility to prepare children for life in modern Britain. We ensure that the fundamental British Values are introduced, discussed and lived out through our Christian Values-based philosophy that infuses the ethos and work of the school. All curriculum areas provide a vehicle for furthering understanding of these concepts and, in particular, our RE, SMSC, PSHE, Citizenship and Oracy lessons provide excellent opportunities to deepen and develop understanding. Children embrace these concepts with enthusiasm and demonstrate a good understanding of their application to their own lives.
The school makes considerable efforts to ensure children have exposure to a wide experience beyond their local community during which these concepts are shown, through for example, sporting events, residential visits to London and outdoor centres and through visiting speakers from other denominations and groups. Their strong-rooted values-based understanding gives them an excellent platform for embracing difference.
| British Value | Statement | Evidence | Impact |
| Mutual Respect and the Tolerance of those with different Faiths and Beliefs | Respect is a fundamental school value, around which pivots mush of the work of the school. We pay explicit attention to this as part of our RE, PHSE, and SMSC curriculum. Respect is a school value that is discussed deeply, starting with self-respect and covering respect for family, friends, and other groups; the world and its people; and the environment. |
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| Democracy | The children at EPS see democracy borne out in a whole variety of ways and see this as being an essential component of successful team working. Democracy is a school value that children meet when discussing respect and fairness. |
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| Rule of Law | The children at EPS are familiar with this concept through the strong Christian values-based philosophy that infuses the entire work of the school. They are familiar with the concept too through the discussion of our Christian values and, in RE lesson, the idea that different religions have guiding principles. Children are used to debating and discussing laws/rules and their application. Children are familiar with the local police who take assemblies and talk to them informally. |
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| Individual Liberty | Our Christian Values-based discussions and acts of worship begin with discussion about the self, e.g. self –respect and self-worth in relation to the individual value so that children see that they are important in their own right. The philosophy of our teaching and learning places emphasis on the right to have our own thoughts and evidence-based views. Children are strongly encouraged to develop independence in learning and to think for themselves. |
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