British Values at Woodchurch C of E Primary School
Our Christian vision
“God has chosen you and...He loves you.”
“So always do these things: show compassion to others; be kind, humble, gentle and patient. Do not be angry with each other, but forgive each other.”
Colossians 3:12–13
At Woodchurch CE Primary School, our Christian vision is rooted in Colossians 3:12–13. These verses remind us that every person is created, chosen, loved and worthy of care. They call us to make compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience and forgiveness visible in the way we learn, work and live together.
This is more than a statement of what we believe. It guides our decisions, relationships and ambitions as a school. We want every child and adult to be known and valued, supported to flourish and enabled to make a positive difference to the lives of others.
Our THRIVE values
Trust • Hard Work • Resilience • Inspired • Valued • Enjoys school
Our Christian vision and THRIVE values help children understand and practise the fundamental British Values: democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. We teach these through the curriculum, relationships, collective worship, school routines and meaningful opportunities to contribute.
Picture News: British Values in the world around us
Woodchurch uses Picture News to help pupils talk about current events and connect them with British Values. Age-appropriate news stories and questions encourage children to listen carefully, share opinions, consider different perspectives, recognise fairness and think about how their choices affect others. Adults ensure that discussions are inclusive, balanced and sensitive to pupils’ ages and needs.
1. Democracy
Link to our vision: Everyone has a voice and deserves to be heard. Our vision calls us to listen with patience, treat others with kindness and recognise that every person is valued.
THRIVE links: Trust • Valued • Inspired
How this can be seen in school
Give pupils regular opportunities to share views about learning and school life through class discussion and pupil voice.
Use age-appropriate votes and shared decision-making to explain how choices are made fairly.
Use Picture News to discuss elections, representation, public services and differing opinions when relevant.
Teach children to listen respectfully, explain their reasoning and accept outcomes even when they disagree.
2. The Rule of Law
Link to our vision: Rules and laws help keep people safe and protect their rights. Compassion, patience and forgiveness guide how we respond when things go wrong, while maintaining clear expectations and accountability.
THRIVE links: Trust • Resilience • Hard Work
How this can be seen in school
Teach and revisit school expectations, why rules matter and how they keep everyone safe.
Help children understand rights, responsibilities, consequences and how to put things right after conflict.
Explore fairness, justice and the role of laws through PSHE, stories, worship and curriculum learning.
Use relevant Picture News stories to consider why communities have laws and how rules can be challenged peacefully.
3. Individual Liberty
Link to our vision: Because every person is chosen, loved and worthy of care, each child should feel safe to be themselves, express their views and make informed choices while respecting the rights of others.
THRIVE links: Valued • Inspired • Resilience
How this can be seen in school
Offer age-appropriate choices and opportunities for independence in learning and school life.
Teach children how to express opinions, ask for help and make safe decisions, including online.
Build confidence, self-worth and resilience through encouragement and inclusive participation.
Use Picture News and PSHE to explore personal freedoms, responsibilities and the impact of choices.
4. Mutual Respect
Link to our vision: Our vision explicitly calls us to show compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Respect is shown in how we speak, listen, work and care for one another.
THRIVE links: Trust • Valued • Enjoys school
How this can be seen in school
Model respectful language and behaviour in lessons, playtimes and relationships.
Teach children to recognise feelings, value differences, work together and resolve disagreements peacefully.
Challenge unkindness, prejudice and bullying promptly and consistently.
Use collective worship, RE, PSHE and Picture News to explore empathy, fairness and respect for others.
5. Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs
Link to our vision: Our Christian identity inspires us to welcome and respect people of all faiths and none. We teach children to understand differences without expecting everyone to believe the same things.
THRIVE links: Valued • Trust • Inspired
How this can be seen in school
Teach about Christianity and a range of other religions and worldviews through the RE curriculum, including Questful RE where used.
Encourage thoughtful questions and respectful dialogue about faith, belief, culture and identity.
Use links with Holy Cross Church to enrich pupils’ understanding of Christian faith and community life, alongside learning about other traditions.
Use Picture News and curriculum opportunities to challenge stereotypes and explore different communities and perspectives.
Curriculum, inclusion and safeguarding
British Values are promoted through a broad and balanced curriculum, including RE, PSHE, history, online safety and collective worship. Pupils should learn to distinguish disagreement from disrespect, understand that discrimination is unacceptable, and know how to seek help. Teaching should be accessible to all pupils, including those with SEND, with appropriate support and adaptations.
How we know it is making a difference
Pupils can explain the five British Values in language appropriate to their age and give examples from school life.
Children listen to different viewpoints, participate in decisions and understand why rules and responsibilities matter.
Pupils feel safe, included, respected and confident to share their views.
Staff review evidence from pupil conversations, classroom practice, curriculum work, Picture News discussions and school culture.