At St Mark’s CE Primary School, we actively promote British values in the following ways:

DEMOCRACY

• All children are encouraged to debate topics of interest, express their views and make a meaningful contribution to the running of the school on matters that directly involve pupils.  Children also have the opportunity to have their voices heard through pupil questionnaires and pupil surveys.
• The principle of democracy is explored in the curriculum as well as during collective worship and special days.  
•  We democratically elect school councillors. 
• St Mark’s CE Primary pupils have had active involvement in the selection processes of new staff.

RULE OF LAW

• Our school follows the ‘Living and Learning Together’ motto, which is integral to our learning and ethos every day.
• School rules and expectations are clear, fair and regularly promoted.
• Pupils are always helped to distinguish right from wrong, in the classroom, during collective worship and on the playground.
• Pupils are encouraged to respect the law and St Mark’s CE Primary enjoys visits from authorities such as the Police and  Fire Service, etc. to help reinforce this message.
• The Behaviour and Anti-Bullying policies set out a zero tolerance baseline for any form of aggression, abuse or violence, which extends to pupils, staff, parents and carers.

INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY

• Within school, pupils are actively encouraged, and given the freedom to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. eg. by signing up for extra-curricular clubs.
• Pupils are supported to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence.
• Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their behaviour. Our pastoral support reinforces the importance of making the right choices.
• Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our e-safety teaching.
• Vulnerable pupils are protected and stereotypes challenged.  A strong anti-bullying culture is embedded in the school and any form of bullying is challenged and addressed. 
• Pupils have key roles and responsibilities in school e.g. Librarians, book monitors, collective worship monitors, , school council, playtime buddies. 

MUTUAL RESPECT AND TOLERANCE OF THOSE WITH DIFFERENT FAITHS AND BELIEFS

• Through a strong commitment to our CIRCLES values, respect is a highly regarded value of our school.  The pupils know and understand that it is expected that respect is shown to everyone, adults and children.
• Pupils are helped to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life.
• Staff and pupils are encouraged to challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour.
• Links and visits are promoted with local faith communities and places of worship. E.g. Members of different faiths or religions are invited to school to share their knowledge and enhance learning within assemblies and in class.
• Through the PSHE and RE curriculums pupils are encouraged to discuss and respect differences between people, such as differences of faith, ethnicity, disability, differences of family situations etc.
• We offer a culturally rich and diverse curriculum in which all major religions are studied and respected and global dimension work embedded in many of our Integrated Creative Curriculum topics.  These curriculum topics offer children the chance to reflect on our core values and British values.