Promoting British Values at Cuerden Church School

The Government emphasises that schools are required to ensure that the key 'British Values' are taught in all schools in the United Kingdom.  The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy.  The five values are:

• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect
• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs.

At Cuerden Church School these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy

The principle of 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 Eco-Council.  The elections of the Council members and eco-council members are based on pupil votes (following nominations and presentations), reflecting our British electoral system and demonstrating democracy in action.

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws whether they are those that govern the school or the country, are consistently reinforced. Our school has rules, which are embedded in our work every day.  Each class discusses and displays the school rules and class rules which are clearly understood by all and seen to be necessary to ensure that every pupil is able to learn in a safe and ordered environment.  Our pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us,  the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when rules and laws are broken.

Individual Liberty

At Cuerden Church School, pupils are actively encouraged to make independent 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, an empowering education and a curriculum based upon clear Christian values.  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, PSHE lessons and visits from the NSPCC and local police officer.  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 and encouraged to make choices.

Mutual Respect:

Respect is one of the core values of Cuerden Church School.  The pupils know and understand that it is expected that respect be shown to everyone, adults and children.  Respect at Cuerden Church School underpins our work every day both in and out of the classroom.

Tolerance of Those With Different Faiths And Beliefs

Our core value of respect ensures tolerance of those who have different faiths and beliefs.  Cuerden Church School enhances pupils' understanding of different faiths and beliefs through Religious Education following the Blackburn Diocese scheme, PSHE, visits to places of worship such as the synagogue, welcoming visitors of other faiths and enjoying in-depth of study during Special Interest Weeks.   Through this, we enable pupils to understand their place within a culturally diverse society and show tolerance of those who have different faiths and beliefs.