British Values
At Dene House Primary, we are committed to promoting British values in a comprehensive and integrated manner. We achieve this through two main approaches:
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Discrete Lessons in PSHE Units:
- Structured Curriculum: We have a structured Personal, Social, Health, and Economic (PSHE) education curriculum that includes specific lessons dedicated to teaching British values. These lessons provide a focused and in-depth exploration of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect, and tolerance.
- Targeted Activities: Through these PSHE lessons, pupils engage in targeted activities, discussions, and reflections that help them understand and internalise these essential values. This structured approach ensures that all pupils receive a thorough grounding in British values.
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Integration into Everyday School Life and Wider Curriculum:
- Everyday Interactions: Beyond discrete lessons, we weave British values into our everyday interactions and the broader school culture. Teachers and staff model these values in their behaviour and interactions, creating a respectful and inclusive environment.
- Classroom Practices: In classrooms, teachers incorporate discussions and activities that promote British values in various subjects. For example, history lessons might explore the development of democracy, while english lessons might discuss themes of respect and tolerance.
- School Activities and Events: School assemblies, extracurricular activities, and special events often highlight and celebrate British values. For instance, we might hold assemblies focused on respecting diversity or organise projects that require teamwork and mutual respect.
- Drip Feeding in Curriculum (See document at bottom of this page): British values are subtly infused into wider curriculum subjects, ensuring that pupils encounter and reflect on these values across different contexts. This "drip feeding" approach means that lessons on democracy, respect, and tolerance are not confined to PSHE but are reinforced through subjects like history, geography, and even science.
- Cultural Celebrations and Projects: We celebrate various cultural events and engage in projects that reflect and respect the diverse backgrounds of our pupils, fostering an environment of mutual respect and tolerance.
By combining these two approaches, Dene House Primary ensures that British values are not only taught explicitly but also become a natural and integral part of our pupils' daily experiences. This holistic approach helps pupils to internalise and live these values, preparing them to be respectful, responsible, and active citizens.