@ Park Road Academy Primary School

“We want every school to promote the basic British Values of democracy, the rule of
law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance for those of different faiths
and beliefs.” DfE

At Park Road Academy Primary School, we have a strong and inclusive school ethos that actively promotes British Values. We take a holistic approach, embedding these values across the curriculum, in whole-school assemblies, class collective worship, and through regular discussions, including the use of Primary Picture News. Our aim is to ensure that every child becomes a valuable, respectful, and fully rounded member of society, ready for life in modern Britain.

The four British Values are:

• Democracy

• Rule of Law

• Individual Liberty

• Mutual Respect and Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs

Our British Values Lead is Mrs Harter.

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Curriculum Intent

At Park Road Academy, our intent is to develop responsible, respectful, and active citizens who understand and uphold the core values of British society. We aim to:

• Embed British Values throughout our curriculum and school culture.

• Provide meaningful opportunities for pupils to reflect on their rights, responsibilities, and role in the community.

• Ensure all pupils understand the importance of respect, tolerance, and celebrating diversity in modern Britain.

• Prepare pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities, and experiences of life in contemporary society.

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Curriculum Implementation

British Values are not taught as stand-alone lessons, but are integrated across all areas of school life. We implement this through:

• Curriculum Integration: Themes of democracy, justice, individual rights, and respect are explored across subjects such as PSHE, RE, history, and literacy.

• Collective Worship and Assemblies: Weekly whole-school assemblies and class worship sessions focus on themes linked to British Values, including topical issues and moral choices.

• Primary Picture News: Used regularly in classes to discuss current affairs and global events in a child-friendly way, prompting critical thinking and debate.

• Pupil Voice: Children are encouraged to express opinions and take part in decision-making through school councils, voting activities, and class discussions.

• Respectful Environment: Staff model respectful behaviour and encourage pupils to value differing opinions, cultures, and beliefs.

• Celebrations and Awareness Days: Events such as Remembrance Day, Parliament Week, and World Religion Day are used as opportunities to deepen understanding of British Values in action.

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Curriculum Impact

Through our comprehensive approach, pupils at Park Road Academy develop a strong sense of identity, belonging, and citizenship. As a result of our British Values teaching:

• Pupils understand how democracy works, including how citizens influence decisions through voting and representation.

• Pupils recognise that freedom of belief is protected in law and show tolerance towards those of different faiths and views.

• There is a high level of mutual respect and inclusion across the school, with pupils valuing diversity and acting against discrimination.

• Children are confident in expressing their views while understanding the importance of law, fairness, and liberty in their lives and the wider world.

• Our pupils leave Park Road Academy as thoughtful, informed, and respectful individuals, prepared for secondary school and beyond.

What our pupils say:

• "Democracy is about voting in a fair way. In our school, we use democracy to choose things like our school council. Democracy is a fair way of choosing something, and gives everybody the chance of getting their opinions out."
• "Individual Liberty is the right to freedom of speech, give ideas and choose activities. We share and tell our ideas and opinions at Park Road Academy. We have lots of activities that we can choose from at lunch time or even after school."
• "Rule of law is when people and businesses have to follow the law. This means that everyone can be safe and law breakers are arrested. At Park Road Academy we have class and school rules to keep us safe."
• "At Park Road Academy, we respect people about their religion, gender, beliefs etc. We have tournaments that boys and girls can attend and it's really fair."

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