Promoting British Values Through Our RAISE Values

At Gosfield Community Primary School, British values are deeply embedded within our RAISE values and are brought to life through our lessons, discussions and assemblies. Our commitment to democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance is not taught in isolation, but woven throughout our curriculum and daily school life.

Democracy 

Our pupils have many meaningful opportunities for their voices to be heard and to participate in democratic processes. Each year, we hold Democracy Week, where children learn about the importance of democracy and take part in voting for our School Leadership Team members. These representatives are elected by their peers and meet regularly to discuss issues raised in class, genuinely effecting change within our school.

Through our School Leadership Team, children are key decision-makers in how we can improve our school. They learn that their opinions matter and that they have the power to shape their school community. This directly supports our RAISE value of Respect – respecting everyone's right to have their voice heard and their vote counted.

The Rule of Law 

The importance of laws – whether they govern the classroom, the school, or the country – are consistently reinforced throughout our school day, in our behaviour discussions and through assemblies. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws: that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities this involves, and the consequences when laws are broken.

Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help reinforce this message and bring real-world context to our learning. This connects directly to our RAISE value of Integrity – understanding that we must act with honesty and fairness, take responsibility for our actions, and follow rules that keep everyone safe.

Individual Liberty 

Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. Pupils learn to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms, and are taught how to exercise these safely through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons.

Whether it's through choice of challenge, how they record their work, or participation in extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices. This supports our RAISE value of Aspiration – encouraging pupils to aim high, make positive choices, and believe in their ability to achieve their goals.

Mutual Respect 

Our RAISE value of Respect is central to everything we do. Through assemblies, PSHE lessons and daily discussions, we promote respect for others. This is reinforced through our work in the playground, classroom, and on the sports field, as well as through our behaviour policy.

Pupils know and understand that it is expected and essential that respect is shown to everyone, whatever differences we may have. Our RAISE value of Empathy extends this further – we develop compassionate, caring individuals who understand and respond to the feelings of others, showing kindness and understanding to all.

Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs

Our RAISE values of Respect and Empathy ensure tolerance of those who have different faiths and beliefs. This is achieved through enhancing pupils' understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity.

Assemblies and discussions about prejudice and prejudice-based bullying are supported by learning in RE and PSHE. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and across the school, helping our pupils develop understanding, acceptance and celebration of difference.

Through our commitment to Safety, we create an environment where all children feel secure and valued, regardless of their background, faith or beliefs.