BRITISH VALUES
Mutual Respect
and the Tolerance
Democracy
Rule of Law
Individual
Liberty
Preparing Children for Life in Modern Britain
At St. Thomas’ Primary School we take very seriously our responsibility to prepare children for life in modern Britain. We ensure that the fundamental British Values are introduced, discussed and lived out through the ethos and work of the school. All curriculum areas provide a vehicle for furthering understanding of these concepts and, in particular, our RE, PSHE and Citizenship lessons provide excellent opportunities to deepen and develop understanding. Children embrace these concepts with enthusiasm and demonstrate a good understanding of their application to their own lives.​
The school makes considerable efforts to ensure children have exposure to a wide experience beyond their local community during which these concepts are shown, through for example, sporting events, a range of visits and use of outdoor education centres. Their strong rooted values-based understanding gives them an excellent platform for embracing difference.
Fundamental British Values (FBVs) are the principles that underpin the way we live, work, and interact in the United Kingdom. These values are defined by the Department for Education and include:
​
-
Democracy: Understanding the importance of the democratic process and having a voice in decision-making.
-
The Rule of Law: Recognising the importance of laws in maintaining order and protecting the rights of individuals.
-
Individual Liberty: Encouraging personal freedoms and the ability to make choices within the law.
-
Mutual Respect and Tolerance: Valuing diversity and fostering an environment where all individuals respect each other’s beliefs and opinions.
In St Thomas C of E Academy these values are lived every day, for example:
​
-
Curriculum Integration: Fundamental British values are embedded into different curriculum subjects. For example, discussions around democracy in history lessons or debates about citizenship in PSHE classes.
-
School Wide Initiatives: A culture of Fundamental British Values is promoted through assemblies, workshops, and special projects that focus on real-world relevance.
-
Community Engagement: We encourage our children to engage in partnerships with local organisations that promote cohesiveness and respect, allowing students to see Fundamental British Values in action, for example Wednesfield in Bloom.
-
Professional Development: Our staff having CPD on the significance of these values equipping them with strategies to model and discuss these values in everyday conversations with our children.
​
We have embedded Fundamental British Values in our school’s ethos and day-to-day practice, and so promote an inclusive and respectful environment that prepares students for participation in a democratic society.
Lyfta
Lyfta Time has been introduced this academic year (2024-25) and introduces the children at St Thomas’ to a world of diverse human stories. These stories are told through short documentary films developing connection, communication and compassion with other people in countries around the world. The resource is multisensory and takes the children inside the chosen experience through sight, sounds and a 3D interactive device.
The children are challenged to question what they see and hear:
- What are you thinking?
- What do you notice?
- What questions do you have?
The owners of Lyfta go out to the global film making community and request films; the people who create the films are from local communities and due diligence is completed in relation to their authenticity. This means that in school we are using an ethical resource which truly represents people in the way they wish to be represented.
​
Lyfta supports our pupils in their understanding of courageous advocacy. Lyfta takes children out of their immediate lived experience, taking them beyond the school gates to global experiences. It supports them to understand how they can change their world and act when they are passionate about a local, national or international concern.
