British Values

At Gayton Primary School we uphold, promote, teach and reinforce the fundamental British Values:

• Democracy

• Rule of law

• Individual liberty

• Mutual respect

• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

These values are woven through our curriculum, ethos and wider school life. Rooted in our six core values- Friendship, Respect, Perseverance, Truthfulness, Compassion and Courage- and our three curriculu drivers- Environment, Personal Development and Democracy- British Values are integral to helping our pupils grow into responsible, thoughtful and active citizens.

British Values are promoted throughout our broad and balanced curriculum, through assemblies and explicitly wihint PSHE and RE lessons.

We also use Picture News during assemblies to introduce pupils to current events through powerful images and reflective questions. This supports dicussion, deep thinking and the application of British Values to real life issues. A document outlining the British Values explored through Picture News is updated half termly.

Democracy- 'Your voice matters'

Democracy is central to life at Gayton and is one of our three curriculum drivers. We believe that every child’s voice should be heard and valued. To achieve this, we have developed our Crew Council, which ensures that every child represents their crew and every child contributes to decision-making.

How democracy works at Gayton:

• Crews meet to discuss ideas, concerns and suggestions linked to school life.

• Every child has the opportunity to contribute, ensuring that all voices influence the discussion.

• Pupils learn how to listen respectfully, debate constructively and reach shared decisions.

• Outcomes and actions are fed back to crews, promoting transparency and accountability.

Through this inclusive model, pupils learn that democracy is active, participatory and something they shape together every day.

The Rule of Law- 'Respect the Rules'

At Gayton, pupils learn that rules keep our community safe, fair and respectful. Our three whole-school expectations — Ready, Respectful, Safe — provide clarity, consistency and shared language across school. These expectations help pupils understand their responsibilities and the part they play in maintaining a positive environment.

Our Conscious Discipline approach strengthens this by teaching pupils fundamental lifelong skills:

• Empathy – recognising and valuing others’ feelings

• Composure – managing emotions and remaining calm

• Assertiveness – communicating needs clearly and respectfully

• Positive Intent – interpreting behaviour through a lens of kindness

• Choices and Consequences – understanding that actions have outcomes and mistakes help us learn

Through modelling, coaching and restorative conversations, pupils learn both what the expectations are and why they matter. This helps them develop self-regulation, responsibility and respect for the rules that keep everyone safe.

Individual Liberty-'Freedom to be you'

We empower pupils to make informed choices and develop a strong sense of personal responsibility. Within a nurturing and safe environment, children at Gayton are encouraged to:

• explore their own opinions, interests and identities;

• make choices about their learning and participation in school life;

• understand their rights and personal freedoms;

• learn how to keep themselves safe, including online and in the community.

Our curriculum emphasises independence, confidence and self-awareness, supporting pupils to use their liberty positively and responsibly.

Mutual Respect- 'Value Difference'

Respect — one of Gayton’s six core values — is at the heart of how we treat one another. We expect all members of our school community to model and demonstrate respect through:

• valuing different opinions and perspectives;

• showing kindness, empathy and understanding;

• working collaboratively and resolving conflict appropriately;

• respecting property, the environment and the wider community.

Respect is taught, modelled and celebrated across the curriculum, during assemblies and through everyday interactions.

Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs 'Celebrate Diversity'

Gayton is a fully inclusive school where diversity is welcomed and celebrated. We help pupils understand and appreciate different cultures, beliefs and worldviews through:

• high-quality RE teaching that explores a range of faiths in depth;

• PSHE lessons and assemblies that promote equality and challenge stereotypes;

• visits, visitors and themed events that contribute to cultural understanding;

• open discussions that encourage pupils to ask questions and develop understanding.

Pupils learn that tolerance is an essential part of living in a diverse and interconnected world and that everyone deserves respect regardless of their background or beliefs.