British Values

What are the key British values?

The fundamental principles of British life would include:

Respect and obey the law
Respect the rights of others, including their right to their own opinions
Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs
Treat others with fairness
Look after yourself and your family
Look after the area in which you live and the environment.

These principles are closely linked to our Islamic values.

Our aim is to create a caring, warm, Islamic atmosphere within which pupils can develop to their full potential. Through the teaching and practice of Islam, in the light of the Quran and Sunnah, we aim to help our children to develop a love for Allah (Subhaana wa Ta’aalaa) and to develop confidence in their identity as Muslim children who will become well-rounded British citizens.

At Orchard Primary School we uphold and teach pupils about British Values through SMSC. This enables us to ensure our children have an appreciation and understanding of the following values:

Democracy
Rule of law
Individual liberty
Mutual respect
Tolerance

Democracy

The children have an opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council, Eco Council and pupil questionnaires. The annual election of School Councillors is based on pupil votes. In addition, we have Pupil Wellbeing Ambassadors who are responsible for different aspects of school life such as Collective Worship monitors, plus we will be soon introducing Play Leaders and Head Pupils.

Rule of Law

The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. We actively encourage visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service to help reinforce this message.

Islamic life is governed by the Quran and the Sunnah (the life of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH). We emphasise the importance of following the rules of the Islamic religion so that our children can live spiritually enriched lives.

Individual Liberty

At Orchard, the children are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school, we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our learning about E-Safety and during PSHE lessons. Whether it be through their choice in the level of challenge in their work, or their participation in our extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.

Mutual Respect

Part of our Islamic ethos has revolved around creating a caring and respectful community where children, parents and staff feel welcome, safe and valued as individuals. The children are taught that respect particularly to visitors, adults working within our school and beyond, as well as towards their peers is important. Respect is promoted through assemblies, our PSHE curriculum and embedded in our buddy groups, where older children actively develop supportive relationships with younger children; and is reiterated through our Behaviour Policy through the Orchard Code.

Tolerance

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught that living harmoniously meant helping one another, not being angry or envious of others and being good to our neighbours whatever their faith. This is achieved through our Islamic ethos and by enhancing pupils understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society. Assemblies and discussions are supported by learning in PSHE, RE or when learning about other cultures through History or Geography. At Orchard, we acknowledge other faiths such as Christianity and Judaism through the RE curriculum and the children have opportunities to visit places of worship such as the church in their locality.

Our Orchard Code embodies these values throughout our provision.

You can find a copy of the Orchard Code here:

the orchard code 2024.pdf