The DFE have recently reinforced the need  ‘to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.’

The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 ’Prevent Strategy’ and these values have been reiterated by the Prime Minister this year.

At Wembdon St. Georges we reinforce these values regularly and in the following ways:

• Democracy is promoted through a school council, pupil questionnaires and opportunities for debate.
• The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police, Fire Service, Road Safety etc. are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message.
• Individual Liberty is taught through e-safety and personal, social, health education lessons that advise pupils on how to exercise their rights and personal freedoms safely. Pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment.
• Mutual Respect is a core value and an important part of our school ethos and behaviour policy. Discussions and assemblies focus on what respect means and how it is shown.
• Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs is achieved through enhancing pupils understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity.

We also promote the languages and cultural celebrations of pupils for whom English is an additional language (EAL). We celebrate the culture of these pupils during our annual EAL week.