Northfield 47

British Values

British Values at Northfield School

At Northfield School British Values—democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance—are embedded through curriculum, culture, and daily interactions. We ensure that British values are contextualised so that pupils understand their relevance to everyday life, through participation in school council elections, clear behaviour systems and engagement with real-world issues through an inclusive curriculum that celebrates diversity as well as opportunities that extend beyond the classroom.

Democracy –

Through its Life Skills provision, pupils are made aware of how citizens can influence decision-making through participation in the democratic process. Pupils are actively encouraged to engage in the democratic process by electing representatives to the school council, discuss and vote on real world issues through Votes for Schools and encourage pupils to develop their knowledge of the democratic process through curriculum and involvement in Parliament Week.

The rule of law –

 In R.E., Life Skills and other subjects, pupils gain an understanding that the freedom to choose and hold other faiths and beliefs is protected in law. They develop an appreciation that living under the rule of law protects individual citizens and is essential for their wellbeing and safety.

Individual liberty –

At Northfield School we promote the British Value of individual liberty by enabling pupils to make informed choices within a safe and supportive environment. Pupils are encouraged to express their views through discussion, pupil voice and leadership roles.

This is reinforced through curriculum, where pupils explore rights, personal safety, and the impact of their choices on others. As a result, pupils demonstrate confidence in expressing their opinions, show respect for differing viewpoints, and understand the boundaries that ensure a safe and inclusive community.

Mutual respect and tolerance –

Pupils are encouraged to regard people of all faiths, races and cultures with respect and tolerance. Pupils understand that while different people may hold different views about what is 'right' and 'wrong', all people living in England are subject to its law. The school will challenge opinions or behaviours that are contrary to fundamental British values. Through curriculum and extra-curricular activities pupils acquire an appreciation of and respect for their own and other cultures.

 

We strive to  develop cognitive links by revisiting British Values across the curriculum, enabling pupils to build a coherent understanding over time. Concepts such as democracy are introduced in practical contexts and deepened through subject-specific learning, allowing pupils to transfer their understanding to new situations.

Pupils demonstrate British Values through their actions, showing respect for others, understanding of rules and consequences, and an appreciation of diversity within modern Britain.

Below are some quotes from our pupils illustrating what British values mean to them:

Being British to me means to be respectful to the Royal Family, to be tolerant of others even when I don’t agree, to understand the history of Britain and to have freedom.
(Anna)

Being British to me means having a democratic vote and freedom. Freedom to live where you want and do the things you want within the law and also the freedom of speech. Although everyone should respect each other’s views and opinions. 
(Lucy)

Being British means to be a multi-cultural society which has freedom and where it is a democracy which is tolerant towards people speaking out against anyone but doing it peacefully. 
(Fane)

Being British to me means having freedom and human rights mainly because we are a multicultural democracy also to be respectful and tolerant towards others.
(Emma)

Being British to me means being born in Britain and to tolerate people’s political and social views but also be multi-cultural.
(Lewis)

Being British to me means that you have to be respectful to those who speak and live their lives in the UK. It also means we have the freedom of speech & movement.
(Terry)

Being British to me means to be respectful and friendly to different people and to be able to have freedom. E.g. Freedom of Speech.
(Erin)

Being British to me means everyone in Britain has freedom of speech, and most people grow up to be very respectful and with tolerance.
(Joanne)

Being British to me means that you either live in Britain or a born in Britain. Furthermore, you need to respect Britain and can be from any culture to be British. 
(Alex)

Being British mean to respect because you have to respect other people and what they say and believe. Being British means to allow people to believe in what they like. It also means to be free and peaceful (it also means to have tea). 
(Luke)

Being British to me means that we have the freedom of speech and we are run by a democracy. We have a multi-cultural country as we have many cultures. Also we have respect for everyone around us.
(Cloe)

Being British to me means, that you respect each other, the law and yourself. Having freedom to speech and movement. Plus, tolerating other people’s view on society, whilst knowing that your opinion can be different to others.
(Olivia)

Being British to me means that you have respect towards other people and other people’s religions. You tolerate other people and religions and you don’t offend other peoples opinions and beliefs, and thoughts about the democracy. Always be happy and you also have the freedom of speech and movement but don’t abuse it.
(Alex)

Being British to me means to treat others with respect and to be proud of the multicultural society. It also means to tolerate and accept the democracy and to have freedom.
(Libby)

Being British means having freedom in the country, but respecting democratic laws. Also to have tolerance with everyone and treating them with equality, e.g. multicultures.
(Regan)

Being British to me means that you should respect the laws and the democracy. Also you should be fair to everybody and treat everyone equally, (e.g. multicultural). Finally, I think that everybody has the right of freedom/speech.
(Zoe)

To me being British means showing other people respect and tolerance. Also I think it means accepting our democracy and multicultural society. Furthermore it means rightly using the freedom we have been given.
(Stephanie)

Being British to me means being a democracy, having a fair government election with the freedom to voice your opinion. It also means tolerance and respect towards other around you due to our country being multicultural. Britain is also a very traditional country so people should also respect this.
(Holly)

To me, being British means having respect and tolerance for the multicultural society and associated traditions and having freedom of speech, while not invoking fear or hatred.
(Lucy)

I think that being British means being respectful to each other and having tolerance for people and their views. I think freedom is also a big part of being British because everyone has freedom of speech. Britain is also a democracy and multicultural.
(Jamie-leigh)

Being British to me means that we have respect towards others and things around us. Also it means we have a freedom of speech, we can say what we think with a tolerance of it not being harmful to others.
(Ellie)

I think that being British where you respect democracy, people`s cultures and other people’s rights in your community.  It also means you have freedom of speech.
(Lauren)