Fundamental British Values in the classroom...

Within Part 2 of the Teachers' Standards it states, 'Teachers must uphold public trust in the profession and maintain high standards of ethics and behaviour, within and outside school, by: not undermining fundamental British values'. But, What are Fundamental British Values? ]

As it stands the Fundamental British Values are...

1. Democracy

2. The Rule of Law

3. Individual Liberty

4. Mutual Respect

Without going into too much detail... I agree with the values above however I have a problem with why these values being labelled 'British'. Why are they not just 'Human' Values ?.

Everybody should have to show mutual respect for other faiths... We educate children about all religions so they can make their own minds up about what they believe.

Everybody, not just British people, should have the right to vote or have their say... Children put their hand up in class and are encouraged to not talk over each other but to listen to other children when speaking.

When completing research around FBV's I came across this video. Members of the public are asked what they think are the fundamental British values and some of them have no clue and I find this very interesting...

After watching this video, before tackling British Values in the classroom I would like to understand what the children firstly know about values as a whole and explore what their own individual values are. One example could be sharing. I was brought up to share my toys and to my dismay now my clothes, with my sister, at a young age this was the worst thing to happen but this evidences the early development of democracy and mutual respect. Values both my mother and father have always promoted! I believe these activities should be promoted and integrated into classroom life not just to influence their knowledge of society but to aid holistic development.

Within my practice I want to unpick the the fundamental values inclusively throughout school life rather than targeting them specifically i.e a lesson on 'democracy'. Idea's include:

-School council meetings

-E-safety

-Charity work

-Class rules

It is my understanding that OFSTED now require all schools to document how they and their children explore British Values therefore this will form somewhat of a target for myself during professional practice. I have seen displays featuring information and class work about these values but I would like to monitor how I have worked towards promoting these values during professional practice in a less than explicit sense.

#PartTwo #TS1A