British Values

As part of the broad and balanced curriculum we offer at Dartford Primary Academy, we have a commitment to promote fundamental British values as part of the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of our children.

Children that come to Dartford Primary Academy will learn about British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

Democracy – How do we promote this?

  • Through our transdisciplinary themes and national curriculum delivery, children learn about the advantages and disadvantages of democracy and how it works in Britain, in contrast to other forms of government in other countries.
  • All children within the Academy have a voice and are listened to; we actively promote democratic processes by holding school council and house captain elections, whose members are voted for by the children.
  • Organise visits to the local council and Parliament
  • Hold ‘mock elections’ to promote fundamental British values and provide children with the opportunity to learn how to argue and defend points of view.
  • Help pupils to express their views

Rule of law – How do we promote this?

  • Ensure Academy rules and expectations are clear and fair through our ‘Green to Go’ behaviour management system. This system encourages children to accept responsibility for their behaviour, show initiative and to understand how they can contribute positively to life at Dartford Primary Academy.
  • Help children to distinguish right from wrong.
  • Help children to respect the law and the basis on which it is made.
  • Help children to understand that living under the rule of law protects individuals.
  • Include visits from outside agencies in the curriculum to teach children about road safety and public services such as the Police.
  • Teach children aspects of both civil and criminal law and discuss how this might differ from some religious laws.

Individual liberty – How do we promote this?

  • Support children to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence.
  • Encourage children to take responsibility for their behaviour, as well as knowing their rights.
  • Children to have freedom of speech, challenge stereotypes and has built a strong anti-bullying culture at our Academy.

 Respect and tolerance – How do we promote this?

  • Promote respect for individual differences by discussing differences between people, such as differences of faith, ethnicity, disability and gender.
  • Help children to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life.
  • Challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour.
  • Organise visits to places of worship.

Relationships & sex education

Our primary school promotes health in its widest sense; attending to the physical, social and psychological development of its pupils and the maintenance of good health for all pupils and staff. As part of this it is considered that the development of the emotions and self-esteem is central to its aims and a key element of this is a carefully considered and constructed Sex and Relationship Education Policy for all children in the school’s care.  Sex and Relationship Education is taught as part of the PSHE and Science curriculum – and will therefore be part of the teaching programme in all key stages.

In the context of this, the school Sex and Relationship Policy aims to:  

  • Give clear and appropriate information and knowledge by answering children’s questions openly and honestly.  
  • Promote positive attitudes and values promoting self-esteem and fostering of individual wellbeing.  
  • Promote the necessary skills for effective communication, long and happy relationships and positive behaviour and development.  
  • Challenging beliefs – often complicated by misinformation.

From September 2020, Primary Schools will be statutorily required to teach Relationship Education. 

Children will learn about subjects including families, friendships, relationships and being safe, including characteristics of healthy family life. This covers varieties in family life, and how to recognise if family relationships are making them feel unhappy or unsafe, the rules and principles for keeping safe online, and appropriate boundaries in peer friendships.  At DPA, we feel it is crucial that we consult parents about what will be taught in SRE under the new framework and will be developing plans for this consultation to take place throughout the year.