We agree with the Department for Education’s five-part definition of British Values:

• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect
• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

We believe these British Values are effectively promoted in our school. Monkwood Primary
School understands that there are many different types of community in modern Britain.

Democracy

We have equal rights. We know that we have rights as children.

Pupil voice is an integrated aspect of school life at Monkwood. Our pupil elected School Council play a strong role in our school. They are elected by their class peers and are involved in making ​school a better place to learn. Pupils have input in their learning and what they would like to learn, which promotes our Pupil Voice. Pupil questionnaires and interviews are also conducted regularly. We know that the formation of the School Council and the active participation of our pupils will sow the seeds for a more sophisticated understanding of democracy in the future.

The rule of the law

We follow the rules in our school. We understand the consequences of our actions.

Our pupils will encounter rules and laws throughout their entire lives. We want our pupils to understand that whether these laws govern the class, the school, the neighbourhood or the
country, they are set for good reasons and must be adhered to. This understanding of the
importance of rules will be consistently reinforced through assemblies and our curriculum. The involvement of our pupils in the creation of the school charters helps them to understand the reasons behind rules and the consequences if rules are broken. We debate and discuss the reasons for laws so children can recognise the importance of these for their own protection.

Throughout the year we welcome visits from members of the wider community including police, the fire brigade and many more.

Individual liberty

We know that we are all special. We can make our own choices about what activities we would like to do. We can talk about our own ideas and opinions.

All at Monkwood work to create a positive culture in our school, so that children are in a
safe environment where choices and freedoms are encouraged. In lessons, learning tasks are challenging and require cooperation and scholastic endeavour. We encourage children to compete in the belief they have every chance of success. Here they understand they may have
to take appropriate risk and may have to congratulate and be proud of a more successful peer on some occasions. We offer a range of clubs which pupils have the freedom to choose from, based on their interests. Through our PSHE sessions, we educate children on their rights and personal freedoms as well as supporting them in recognising how to exercise these freedoms
safely. At Monkwood we believe that valuing choice, freedom, appropriate risk taking, a desire to win and appreciating our fellow competitors in daily school life will foster a value for individual liberty as the children embark upon their adult lives.

Mutual respect

We understand and respect the roles of people who help us. We treat everyone equally. We listen to and respect other people’s opinions and values.

Our pupils learn together with respect for each other. We value and celebrate our peers, as evidenced on our website. Every pupil knows that we respect and appreciate each other no matter what differences may exist. Mutual respect is a core value of our vision.

Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

We know that different people might have different ideas or opinions or beliefs to us.

We offer a culturally rich and diverse curriculum in which all major religions are studied and
respected. Parents and leaders of different faiths are welcomed to the school to share their beliefs. We believe that tolerance is gained through knowledge and understanding. Through
our curriculum and the routines of our daily school life, we strive to become knowledgeable, understanding and successful citizens who can build a better Rawmarsh, Rotherham, Yorkshire, and Britain for the future.