British Values

Fostering Fundamental British Values at The Free School Norwich 

We are committed to actively instilling British values within our school community, ensuring that our students leave school equipped for life in contemporary Britain. We encourage pupils to uphold respect and tolerance for individuals of diverse faiths, races, and cultures, emphasizing the understanding that, despite differing perspectives on what is considered ‘right’ or ‘wrong,’ everyone residing in England is bound by its laws. 

The core British values we prioritize are: 

The Rule of Law

Our school has clear rules in place, with the expectation that they will be followed. Our well-planned PSHE curriculum teaches children about the importance of laws. Additionally, we work with the local constabulary to deliver lessons and assemblies to the whole school. Furthermore, Year 6 take part each year in the ‘Crucial Crew’ roadshow in conjunction with the emergency services to learn in greater depth about laws and staying safe in a variety of contexts.

Democracy 

Democracy is at the heart of our school. Each class elects one child to represent their voice in the School Council. The councillors meet once per term, sharing the views of their classmates and making suggestions for school improvement. Democracy is also explicitly taught in our PSHE and SMSC curriculum.

Individual Liberty 

We are a listening school, and we embrace all children having a right to share their voice. We actively encourage children to express their thoughts and feelings every day by filling in a ‘Hear Me Diary’ in which children record some positive feelings about their day, as well as reflecting on anything that could have gone better. We encourage children to share these with their parents too to promote discussion about the school day. Furthermore, we conduct a termly wellbeing survey for all children to hear their voices and support them as needed.

Mutual Respect

‘Respect Everyone’ is one of our four key rules, and mutual respect is paramount to our school environment. The school’s values (CU THRIVE) further embed mutual respect for all within our school community, but also in the wider world. We often work with local charities, support the foodbank and take part in wider national and global events such as ‘Anti-Bullying Week’ and ‘Safer Internet Day’.

Tolerance for those of different faiths and beliefs

Our school is a diverse community with many children of different faiths. We value the beliefs of all within our school and actively encourage enquiry and curiosity about different religions. Our RE curriculum reflects this, with trips to local places of worship planned throughout the year.