Promoting British Values at Greasby Junior School

At Greasby Junior School, we are committed to actively 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 woven through the fabric of our curriculum and school life. They underpin our approach to teaching, behaviour, leadership, and relationships. As outlined in the Department for Education's guidance, all schools have a duty to "promote the fundamental British values...through SMSC development." At Greasby Junior School, we ensure our pupils leave with the skills and values they need to be responsible citizens in modern Britain.

Democracy

We foster an appreciation of democracy and how citizens can influence decision-making:

·         Elections for School Council, Eco Team, and House Captains – Pupils vote for their representatives and some awards in secret ballots, mirroring democratic procedures.

·         Pupil Voice – Weekly School Council meetings give children a platform to suggest improvements and initiate change. In addition, Pupil Voice is regularly sought to highlight positive impact as well as ways to develop further.

·         Values Ambassadors – Pupils apply and are selected to model our school values and lead by example.

·         Curriculum Links – In Year 5, pupils study the birth of democracy in Ancient Greece; persuasive writing and debating are embedded across English and PSHE.

·         National Contexts – Pupils learn about General Elections, write to MPs, and discuss real-world decision-making and representation.

·         Opportunities for Leadership – Roles such as Play Leaders, 4th C Awards, and A-Team assemblies give children experience of contributing to and leading within their community.

The Rule of Law

We promote an understanding of the importance of laws in school and wider society:

·         Clear Behaviour Policy and 3Cs Expectations – Pupils understand expectations and consequences; behaviour is consistently reinforced through class charters and rewards.

·         Restorative Approaches – Promote fairness and responsibility by helping children reflect on choices and repair relationships.

·         Jigsaw PSHE and RE Curriculum – Units explore fairness, justice, rules, and rights.

·         Historical Study – Children examine law systems, including Roman legal traditions, and understand the evolution of justice systems.

·         External Input – Visits from the police, road safety training, and assemblies reinforce the importance of laws for safety and order.

·         E-safety Lessons – Pupils learn the rules of responsible online conduct and digital citizenship, including consequences of cyberbullying.

Individual Liberty

Children are encouraged to make informed choices and understand their rights and responsibilities:

·         Choice in Learning – Through independent tasks, differentiated activities, and extra-curricular clubs, pupils learn to make meaningful decisions.

·         Golden Time and Enrichment – Pupils enjoy freedom in selecting activities, promoting decision-making and autonomy.

·         Curriculum Emphasis on Voice and Agency – Children are taught to express opinions respectfully, including through creative writing, PSHE discussions, and values-led assemblies.

·         Support for All Learners – SEND policies and pastoral support ensure pupils with additional needs understand their rights and feel safe to express themselves.

·         Personal Safety Education – E-safety, anti-bullying, and wellbeing lessons empower children to make safe choices and know when to seek help.

·         Promoting self-discipline – This is achieved through PE, clubs and other recreational activities.

·         MEAS Workshops – There is a planned programme of study for each year group to experience cultural workshops linked to Chinese Moon Festival, Islam, Challenging Hate & Challenging Persceptions.

Mutual Respect

Respect is central to the ethos of Greasby Junior School and underpins our interactions at all levels:

·         Three Cs (Courtesy, Consideration, Cooperation) – These values are modelled, taught, and celebrated across all areas of school life.

·         Celebration Assemblies – Recognise kindness, effort, and positive behaviour.

·         A-Team Assemblies – Reinforce weekly themes linked to respect, friendship, and collaboration.

·         Values Ambassadors, 4th C & Chris Salmon Awards – Promote exemplary attitudes and encourage others to follow.

·         Sports Events and Residentials – Promote teamwork, sportsmanship, and respect in action.

·         Peer Support Roles – Y6 pupils act as Play Leaders and Ambassadors, modelling positive relationships for younger children.

Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs

We promote understanding and celebration of diversity through our curriculum and wider provision:

·         RE Curriculum – Systematically explores major world religions and belief systems, helping pupils develop understanding and empathy.

·         MEAS Workshops – Explore cultural heritage, faith, and inclusion, enriching pupils’ knowledge and encouraging respectful discussion.

·         Inclusive PSHE Curriculum – Tackles issues of discrimination, stereotypes, and equality (e.g., lessons on protected characteristics).

·         Celebratory Events – We mark Black History Month, Neurodiversity Week, and Mental Health Week using them to highlight different perspectives and experiences.

·         Charity Events – Children engage with national charities like Comic Relief and Children in Need, as well as running their own Charity week, helping them connect with and support others in need.

·         Books and Stories – Across the curriculum, diverse characters, settings, and experiences are explored to reflect and value difference.

·         Hope Journey – Pupils in all year groups attend a Hope Journey visit to the local church focusing on a specific aspect of faith.

Conclusion

At Greasby Junior School, British Values are not an add-on; they are integral to the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of our children. Our pupils are well-prepared for life in modern Britain, developing a strong sense of identity, fairness, justice, and community. Through daily practice, curriculum experiences, leadership opportunities, and wider enrichment, we create a culture of respect, tolerance and active citizenship.

We are proud of the way our school embodies these values – not just in what we teach, but in how we live them every day.