British Values

At Wellsprings Primary School we celebrate the diversity of our 21st century culture in Britain and actively promote British Values through our inclusive ethos, community links and broad curriculum. Pupils are encouraged to understand democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. These values are woven throughout school life, preparing children to be positive, responsible citizens in modern British society.

We also endeavour to teach our children about British culture over time, celebrating the key events in Britain’s long, important history. We ensure that through our school vision and values our curriculum promotes tolerance and respect for all cultures, faiths and lifestyles.

Here are some examples of how children learn about the British Values at Wellsprings:

Democracy- Our Pupil Council is an important part of decision making at school. Children vote for their own class representatives and have their say in polls throughout the year in matters such as events or playground provision. The pupil council is able to raise things that the children wish to focus on such as charity events. Classes have different ways of voting for important class decisions, from pegs for the daily story in Reception, to votes on an app for the winner of the debate in Year 6. Children have a say in the continuous improvement of the curriculum with different children chosen for each half term's pupil voice survey with leaders and governors.

The Rule of Law- Wellsprings is a safe, fair community where rules protect people's rights and nobody is treated differently. Jigsaw RSHE lessons help pupils establish and agree to a Class Charter at the beginning of every school year. Our Relationship and Behaviour Policy includes child-friendly guidance and each adult wears a prompt on their lanyard to support pupils with this. We have previously had groups of pupils in the Somerset Constabulary's Mini Police and we have close links with our Police Community Support Officers.

Individual Liberty- Pupils are supported to make choices about how they will learn, what they will design or compose, and so on. We want children to develop the confidence to make healthy choices for themselves and our curriculum reflects this.

Mutual Respect and Tolerance- We value the ethnic backgrounds of all our pupils and families and undertake a variety of events and lessons to celebrate and explore similarities and differences in culture. In lessons, children read from books that include characters and role models from diverse backgrounds. Our curriculum includes a focus week each half term where visitors lead workshops and talks, enriching the life experiences of our pupils.