British Values at Wold Newton Foundation School
At Wold Newton Foundation School, we are committed to promoting the fundamental British values of:
- Democracy
- The Rule of Law
- Individual Liberty
- Mutual Respect
- Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs
These values are embedded throughout school life and are integral to our curriculum, ethos and culture. In line with the DfE’s Prevent Duty (2015) and Ofsted’s expectations for Personal Development, we ensure pupils develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to become responsible, respectful and active citizens who contribute positively to society.
British Values are promoted through assemblies, PSHE (using the One Decision scheme), Religion & Worldviews (using Kapow), the wider curriculum, behaviour systems, leadership opportunities and the way we respond to incidents and individual needs.
How We Promote British Values
Democracy
We teach pupils that their opinions matter and that they have a voice in shaping their school community. Democracy is promoted through:
- School Council elections, where pupils vote for their class representatives.
- Pupil questionnaires, surveys and suggestion systems.
- Consultation on school policies, such as behaviour expectations and class rules.
- Curriculum links, including learning about democratic systems in History (e.g., Ancient Greece), Geography, PSHE and assemblies.
- Transition activities that explore democratic processes and responsibilities.
Pupils learn how decisions are made, how to debate respectfully and how to represent others’ views.
The Rule of Law
We help pupils understand the importance of rules and laws in keeping people safe and ensuring fairness. This is reinforced through:
- Clear behaviour expectations based on respect, responsibility and fairness.
- Restorative practice, helping pupils understand the impact of their actions and repair relationships.
- Teaching pupils why laws exist, how they protect us and the consequences of breaking them.
- Visits from the Police, PCSOs, Fire Service, RNLI and other authorities.
- Curriculum links in PSHE, Religion & Worldviews, Computing (online safety), and History.
Pupils learn to take responsibility for their actions and understand the role of rules in society.
Understanding the Consequences of Actions and Behaviours
We use a consistent, fair and supportive approach to behaviour, helping pupils understand accountability. Strategies include:
- Traffic light systems
- Team points and rewards
- Class charters
- Behaviour charts
- Restorative conversations
- Celebration assemblies
- Headteacher awards, stickers and certificates
- Rainbow Awards and behaviour prizes
- Y6 Leavers’ Awards
- Working independently when trust needs rebuilding
These approaches promote self‑discipline, reflection and positive choices.
Individual Liberty
We encourage pupils to make informed choices within a safe, supportive environment. This includes:
- Teaching pupils about rights, responsibilities and personal freedoms.
- Ensuring pupils understand how to stay safe through E‑Safety, PSHCE and safeguarding education.
- Providing opportunities to choose extra‑curricular clubs, leadership roles and levels of challenge in lessons.
- Encouraging independence through monitor roles, responsibilities and pupil leadership.
Pupils learn to express themselves confidently while respecting the rights of others.
Mutual Respect
Respect is a core value at Wold Newton and underpins our relationships, behaviour expectations and school culture. We promote mutual respect through:
- Adults modelling respectful behaviour at all times.
- Opportunities for pupils to work with different year groups, classes and teams.
- School Council, Play Leaders, House Activities and collaborative learning.
- Curriculum themes such as Anti‑Bullying Week, Respect assemblies, and disability awareness in PE.
- The Y6 residential, which promotes teamwork, cooperation and respect.
Pupils learn that everyone has value and that differences should be celebrated.
Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs
Although our local community has limited ethnic and religious diversity, we actively promote understanding and respect for all cultures and beliefs. We do this through:
- A carefully planned Religion & Worldviews curriculum (Kapow), exploring a range of religions and worldviews.
- PSHCE lessons that teach equality, diversity and respectful relationships.
- Learning about contrasting localities in the UK and around the world through Geography, History, Art, Music and Literature.
- Visitors from different cultural backgrounds sharing traditions, stories, dance, art and food.
- Using artefacts, images, video clips and music from around the world to stimulate discussion and challenge stereotypes.
- Assemblies that explore cultural celebrations, festivals and global themes.
Pupils learn to value diversity, challenge prejudice and appreciate the richness of different cultures.
Our Commitment
At Wold Newton Foundation School, British Values are not taught in isolation—they are woven through everything we do. Our aim is to prepare pupils to become:
- Responsible, respectful and active citizens
- Confident in their own identity
- Appreciative of diversity
- Able to contribute positively to society
- Equipped to challenge discrimination and extremism