British Values

Promoting British Values at GFS

At GFS, we are committed to instilling the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. These values are integral to our school ethos and are embedded throughout our curriculum and school life, preparing students for life in modern Britain and a globalised world.

Understanding British Values

The Department for Education defines British values as:

• Democracy
• The Rule of Law
• Individual Liberty
• Mutual Respect
• Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs

By embedding these principles into everyday learning, we ensure our students develop a strong moral compass, understand their rights and responsibilities, and are equipped to contribute positively to society both locally and globally.

Embedding British Values Across the Curriculum

At GFS, British values are thoughtfully integrated into various aspects of our curriculum and daily school activities:

Democracy

We foster student voice and participation through:

• Pupil Leadership: Students are elected by their peers to represent the wider student body, contributing to school decisions and learning about democratic processes and representation.
• Pupil Questionnaires and Feedback: Regular surveys provide students with the opportunity to express their views, promoting a culture of open dialogue and respect for differing opinions.

The Rule of Law

We emphasise the importance of understanding and respecting laws through:

• Behaviour Policies and Class Charters: Clear and consistent rules help students recognise the value of laws in maintaining a safe, fair, and respectful environment.
• Engagement with Law Enforcement: Visits from local police and emergency services offer practical insights into the role of laws and the consequences of not following them.

Individual Liberty

We support students in exploring personal freedoms in a safe and nurturing setting:

• Encouraging Self-Expression: Students are empowered to develop self-awareness, confidence, and independence. Through our High Performance (HP) strategy and extracurricular opportunities, they are encouraged to pursue personal interests and projects.
• E-Safety Education: Students are taught to use digital platforms responsibly, recognising their rights and understanding how to exercise freedom safely and respectfully.

Mutual Respect

Respect is a key element of our school culture, promoted through:

• An Inclusive Curriculum: Subjects such as PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic education) and cross-curricular projects like Take One Picture expose students to a range of cultures and beliefs, promoting understanding and empathy.
• Anti-Bullying Initiatives: School-wide programmes reinforce respectful behaviour and ensure that all forms of bullying or discrimination are addressed promptly and effectively.

Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs

We actively nurture tolerance and appreciation for diversity through:

• Celebration of Cultural Events: Our school community marks key cultural and religious events. National Day and International Day provide opportunities to celebrate the rich diversity of our students and staff.
• Educational Visits and Guest Speakers: Trips to various places of worship and cultural sites, as well as talks from community leaders, give students valuable experiences that deepen their understanding of different faiths and worldviews.

By embedding British values into our teaching and school culture, GFS aspires to develop respectful, informed, and responsible young people—ready to contribute positively to both British society and the wider world.