Spiritual , Moral , Social and Cultural education and the Promotion of British Values
At Brenchley and Matfield Primary School it is our aim that through our ethos, curriculum and the
rich and varied opportunities and experiences we provide for our pupils, they become well-rounded,
confident life-long learners and make a positive contribution to society in modern Britain and the
wider world. Our school is a vibrant, richly diverse and harmonious community. We recognise and
value the different cultures, beliefs and lifestyles of our pupils. We actively 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. We firmly believe that the spiritual, moral,
cultural and social development of our pupils is a vital part of their preparation for the opportunities,
responsibilities and experiences of later life.
Our curriculum is broad, balanced and varied. It is enriched by links with other schools both
nationally and internationally, educational visits, workshops, visiting speakers and through the
opportunity to take part in competitions, celebrations and charity fund raising events. The spiritual,
moral, social and cultural development of our pupils is planned for and addressed across all subject
areas and through our programme of assemblies. Agreed whole school rules and an expectation
that all within school demonstrate the highest standards of behaviour ensure it is a safe, happy, calm
environment. Pupils are taught to understand their rights and the responsibilities that come with
them, to respect and value themselves and others. Pupils have a voice within school and contribute
to the wider life of the school and community. Through lessons and assemblies, pupils develop their
knowledge and understanding of how those who hold different faiths and beliefs to their own mark
and celebrate special occasions and events. We value that we live together in modern
Britain. Pupils have the opportunity to learn about life in Britain past and present; about those
famous Britons and historical events that have shaped British society. We celebrate British
traditions and commemorate landmark events and anniversaries together as a whole school.
Teaching the British Values at Brenchley and Matfield Primary
Democracy
Each year the children and staff are given the opportunity to vote for their Head boy and Head girl
and their deputies who represent the school throughout the year: in whole school collective worship
parent tours, attending community events, attending church services, fund raising, volunteering and
supporting all pupils in the school to promote the well-being of all pupils.
Every member of the school is a valued member of the school council and we have a system where
ALL children are part of the school council to ensure we hear and value the thoughts and opinions of
all children. In these meetings the children vote for their year 6 house captains. Their role is to then
chair the meeting and record the minutes. These minutes are then shared with the Senior leadership
team. Recently, we have through the result of these meetings, purchased more bins for the corridors
and playground, more equipment for the playground and offered particular lunchtime clubs.
The Rule of law
The importance of rules and laws , whether they be those that govern our school or our country are
referred to often in collective worship and when reflecting on out behaviour choices , through our
planned curriculum and through reinforcing our core value “Love each other as I have loved you “
Each year and throughout the year we revisit our school rules “Ready , Respectful and Safe” and
how these continue to support us in school to enable everyone to be able to learn in a safe and
ordered environment.
Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that govern and protect us , the responsibilities
that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken . These values are reinforced in
different ways:
*Visits from authorities such as the police and the fires service
*During religious education, when rules for other faiths are thought about
*Through our curriculum coverage where there is respect and appreciation for different rules
Individual liberty
Alongside rules and laws, we promote freedom of choice and the right to respectfully express views
and beliefs. Through the provision of a safe, supportive environment and empowering education, we
provide boundaries for our young pupils to make choices safely:
For example
Our pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and
are taught how to exercise these safely, such as e-safety and PHSE lessons
Mutual Respect
Our Christian values: Compassion, Integrity, Humility, Grace and Forgiveness are at the heart of our
school and community. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and
those of others. All members of the community treat each other with respect.
Should you feel that the school is not meeting this requirement, you should contact the school office
and request to express your concerns with the headteacher. Likewise, if you feel that anyone
working at school is, intentionally or otherwise undermining these values, you should report this to
the headteacher.