All local maintained schools have a duty to ‘actively 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. These values were first set out by the government in the ‘Prevent Strategy’ (2011).

At William Murdoch Primary School, these values are reinforced regularly to ensure that our pupils develop a strong sense of social and moral responsibility and are fully prepared for life in modern Britain. This is achieved in the following ways:

 

Democracy

All year groups are taught about democracy, including the UK Parliament and the role of MPs, as part of the curriculum.

At the start of each academic year, children vote for their class representative through a democratic election process. Our School Council ensures that all children are given the opportunity to voice their opinions and vote on key aspects of school life throughout the year.

 

Individual Liberty

At William Murdoch Primary School, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices within a safe, secure and supportive environment.

As a school, we provide clear boundaries alongside opportunities for pupils to make independent choices safely, through both our pastoral systems and curriculum provision. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms, and are taught how to do this safely, for example through our e-safety and PSHE curriculum.

An example of this is when the health caravan visits the school; pupils are taught about the dangers of both legal and illegal substances and the importance of making informed, safe choices.

Pupils are also given the freedom to make a wide range of choices, from attending extra-curricular clubs to supporting fundraising events.

 

Mutual Respect

As a school, we hold mutual respect at the heart of our values. Adults actively model respectful relationships with one another and with pupils, and all members of our community are expected to treat each other with respect.

Mutual respect is promoted through our Behaviour Policy and our system of rewards and consequences, ensuring that this is a consistent theme throughout the school environment.

For example, we mark Anti-Bullying Week every year, where different types of bullying, including cyberbullying, are discussed.

 

 

Tolerance of Those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

William Murdoch Primary School is situated in a culturally diverse area; therefore, we place a strong emphasis on promoting diversity.

Religious Education and PSHE lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others. This is further supported through assemblies and celebrations, which explore different faiths and cultures through stories, discussion and shared experiences.

Pupils are given opportunities to visit different places of worship throughout their time at school, supporting their understanding of different beliefs and practices.

 

British Values Through the Curriculum

Within our curriculum, there are carefully planned opportunities to teach the values of our society. Some examples include:

 

PSHE

Understanding democracy and influence is explored through PSHE and Religious Education lessons, including the Inspirational People topic. Pupils study figures such as Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi, considering the impact of their actions and the effectiveness of different approaches.

The importance of laws—whether those governing the class, the school or the country—is consistently reinforced. Pupils are encouraged to understand and exercise their rights and freedoms safely through workshops and PSHE lessons.

 

History

Our knowledge-rich curriculum covers a range of historical periods, including the Ancient Egyptians, Romans, Victorians and Tudors.

The People in History project, alongside related assemblies, enables pupils to understand how British values have developed over time and how they contribute to equality, diversity and the development of modern British society.

 

Geography

The teaching of Geography enables children to develop a strong understanding of Britain, including its capital cities, counties, rivers and mountains, as well as its place within Europe and the wider world.

 

Religious, Moral & Spiritual Education

This subject covers key religions represented in the UK. Planning is guided by the Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE) Agreed Syllabus.

All pupils have opportunities to visit places of worship that are important to different faith communities. William Murdoch Primary School actively promotes diversity through festival assemblies, celebrations, the display of religious symbols in classrooms, and our annual Cultural Evening of Entertainment.

 

Physical Education

Physical Education promotes the concept of fair play, following and developing rules, inclusion, and celebrating success. Pupils are encouraged to be gracious in both success and defeat and to participate in activities that promote teamwork and cooperation.

 

Computing

Pupils are taught about respect and safe behaviour in the online world through curriculum-based lessons, as well as dedicated e-safety sessions and workshops.

 

Educational Visits

Our broad range of educational visits and experiences outside the classroom supports pupils in developing the skills needed to make a positive contribution to society.

These include visits to Birmingham city centre, the Black Country Museum, Ironbridge, neighbourhood walks, and links with the Handsworth Historical Society and Soho Museum, enabling pupils to explore British heritage in greater depth.

 

Community and Charity Events

The school participates in a number of charity events to raise money for worthwhile causes, including Children in Need, the Poppy Appeal, Comic Relief and Cancer Research.

Harvest donations are collected and distributed to local food banks and homeless shelters, supporting pupils in understanding the importance of community responsibility and helping others.