British Values at Bentley

‘Growing together in faith, love and trust, we will succeed.’

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8 v28 

At Bentley St Paul’s, children are encouraged to look outward—towards those in our community and beyond who may be facing challenges—and to respond with practical compassion, in keeping with the teachings of Jesus. We are particularly proud of how openly and courageously our pupils, supported by school leadership and staff, advocate for equality in love and relationships. We take an active and passionate stance against racism through direct teaching, purposeful activities, and open discussion. Our children speak confidently about how their actions can offer light and hope to those facing prejudice or difficulty.

Throughout the year, we teach British values by connecting them to current events and opportunities within the curriculum, helping pupils become informed, modern citizens. The DfE has emphasised the responsibility of all schools “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation… to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.”

At Bentley St Paul’s C of E Primary School, we have reflected on what ‘British Values’ mean to us and believe that our vision and ethos not only encompass these expectations but inspire us daily. We want everyone in our school community to be proud of their identity, value where they come from, and develop a shared understanding of life and learning in Britain. We aim to nurture this in all that we do, actively promoting mutual respect and valuing every person. Guided by our Christian mission, we see British Values as working in harmony with our Christian Values.

British Values & Christian Values We Uphold:

• Democracy
• Rule of Law
• Individual Liberty
• Mutual Respect & Tolerance of those from different faiths and beliefs

• Friendship
• Forgiveness
• Trust
• Peace
• Wisdom
• Responsibility
• Respect

We provide a rich curriculum and varied learning experiences so that all pupils can understand and live out these values, contributing not only to society in Britain but also to the wider world. Within our caring Christian community, we nurture the spiritual and moral development of every individual so they can fulfil their potential and value both themselves and others. Through prayer, school rules, worship, work and play, we strengthen our welcoming Christian ethos and foster a culture of respect and love for people from all backgrounds.

We achieve this by:

• Having a consistent set of school rules, with clear rewards and consequences, used across all activities.
• Encouraging pupils to make decisions at both personal and whole-school levels, especially around behaviour.
• Promoting a specific Christian value each half term to guide respectful behaviour towards self and others.
• Supporting charitable work chosen by the pupils, and participating in national awareness events.
• Providing education about Christianity and other religions through meaningful experiences and exploration.
• Teaching children to keep themselves and others safe through E-Safety, anti-racism, and anti-bullying initiatives.
• Offering democratic opportunities such as electing School Council representatives, prefect roles and Minister roles
• Maintaining strong links with local community and faith representatives.
• Celebrating Britain’s heritage and notable local historical events.

British Values are an intrinsic part of our PSHE scheme, Jigsaw:

• Democracy: Students participate in "Circle Time," where everyone has an equal voice. Lessons in the Being Me in My World unit explore group decision-making, voting, and the importance of having a say.
• The Rule of Law: The Learning Charter (a set of agreed-upon classroom rules) helps children understand why rules are necessary for safety and fairness. Lessons discuss consequences, responsibilities, and the difference between right and wrong.
• Individual Liberty: Through units like Dreams and Goals, children are encouraged to develop self-esteem and confidence. They learn about making informed choices, exercising their rights safely, and having the freedom to express their own beliefs.
• Mutual Respect: Respect is the foundation of the Jigsaw program. The Relationships unit teaches children how to form healthy bonds, listen to others, and value the contributions of every person in the community.
• Tolerance of Different Faiths & Beliefs: The Celebrating Difference unit is the primary vehicle for this value. It teaches students about diversity, tackles prejudice and bullying, and helps children appreciate different cultures and religions.

By celebrating diversity and promoting respect for all, we believe our pupils learn to value themselves, others, and the world around them—living out their Christian faith while embracing the principles and values of our country.