Promoting British Values at Pennington C of E Primary School

The Department for Education (DfE) expects all schools to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. These values were defined in the Government’s 2011 Prevent Strategy and are woven throughout our curriculum and school life.

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Children have opportunities to take on leadership roles through our TED Teams, where two representatives from each class meet half-termly to discuss topical issues and explore how we can make a positive difference in school. We believe every child has a voice and the right to be heard—alongside the responsibility to listen respectfully to others and agree to differ when necessary. Additional leadership roles include Eco Team and Sports Leaders, promoting sustainability and healthy lifestyles.

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Children learn the importance of laws—whether in the classroom, school, or wider community. From an early age, pupils are taught to ‘Be the Best They Can Be’, living out our school values in all they do. Classroom Charters, agreed by pupils and teachers, ensure everyone can learn effectively and feel safe. Children understand the reasons behind rules and laws and the responsibilities that come with making choices.

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We encourage children to make informed choices within a safe and supportive environment. Pupils learn about their rights and personal freedoms and how to exercise these safely through E-Safety lessons and the RSE/PSHE curriculum.

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Mutual respect is modelled throughout our school and reinforced during Collective Worship. As a Church of England school, we believe every person is made in the image of God and should be treated with dignity and respect. Children learn that their behaviour impacts both their own rights and the rights of others, fostering a culture of kindness and responsibility.

What is SMSC?
SMSC stands for Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development.

At Pennington C of E Primary School, we are committed to nurturing these aspects in every child, ensuring they grow into thoughtful, respectful, and responsible members of society.

Our school has a supportive Christian ethos where pupils are encouraged to be individuals, develop respect for others, and feel respected themselves. Christian values underpin all aspects of school life and are explored explicitly in daily Collective Worship.

• Pupils are encouraged to reflect during worship, RE lessons, and carefully planned PSHE sessions.
• We follow the Hampshire Agreed Syllabus for RE, supported by Understanding Christianity.
• Celebration Assemblies allow pupils to share and celebrate achievements, fostering confidence and self-worth.
• Pupils regularly lead Collective Worship in class and for the whole school, taking part in prayer and reflecting on how biblical messages apply to their lives today.
• Visits to special places, such as St Mark’s Church, help pupils understand their importance in the local community.
• Our rich curriculum encourages creativity and imagination through art and music, inspiring pupils to explore what moves them.
• Daily worship includes time for reflection and mindfulness.

Our values provide the foundation for behaviour and are consistently promoted through all aspects of school life, including our reward system and Celebration Assemblies.

• Policies and curriculum planning give pupils opportunities to consider questions of right and wrong and explore values.
• Pupils and staff discuss the outcomes and consequences of actions.
• Children raise funds for charities and learn about global issues.
• Pupils feel confident expressing their views and demonstrate good sportsmanship.
• Community involvement includes events such as singing at the Pennington Village Christmas Event and supporting the summer event on Pennington Common.
• Displays reinforce the values of our school community.
• Staff and pupils act as role models through roles such as Peer Mentors and Sports Leaders.
• We teach the difference between right and wrong, and adults model fairness, integrity, justice, respect, and conflict resolution.
• Class expectations are agreed by pupils and teachers at the start of each year.
• Codes of conduct for internet safety and anti-bullying are shared with parents.
• Our PSHE curriculum helps pupils understand how behaviour affects others.

We foster a strong sense of community and promote tolerance and respect for difference. Equality is embedded through PSHE, other subjects, and daily worship.

• Pupils support charities such as Toilet Twinning, the Foodbank, Oakhaven Hospice, and the Piam Brown children’s cancer ward.
• New pupils settle quickly and are warmly welcomed.
• Leadership opportunities include Class Pupil Voice teams, Peer Mentors, Sports Leaders, and Junior Librarians.
• A wide range of clubs are offered before and after school and are well attended.
• Residential trips in upper KS2 promote teamwork, resilience, and social skills.
• Pupils join local schools for sports competitions and collaborative events.
• Weekly Friday evening activities club provides a relaxed setting for games and friendship.
• Annual KS2 camp and Year 6 residential offer memorable experiences and personal growth.

We recognise and nurture pupils’ gifts and talents, encouraging everyone to “Be the Best You Can Be.”

• Our curriculum develops cultural knowledge and understanding.
• Pupils participate in literature, drama, music, art, crafts, and cultural events, reflecting on their significance.
• Displays, posters, and exhibitions reinforce cultural values.
• We focus on teaching new vocabulary to close the vocabulary gap and broaden pupils’ horizons.