British Values at Ripley Junior School

At Ripley Junior School, we think it very important that our pupils develop a strong set of values and principles, and that they question and understand what it means to grow up in British society. Through a rich and challenging humanities curriculum, and through a focus on key events in British History, we invite pupils to reflect upon their role in a diverse, multicultural and multi faith society.

Through a focus on a fairer world in Year 3, what makes a good leader in Year 4, multiculturalism and identity in Year 5, and a discrete unit in Year 6 on life within our community and how we show commitment to it, we equip pupils with a mature, respectful and sensitive appreciation for difference and diversity. In discussing what it means to be British, children engage critically with stereotypes and prejudices and develop an understanding of how we can celebrate our heritage and home cultures whilst also embracing the ties that bind us together.

We inculcate a deeply embedded appreciation of the values of fairness and democracy through our PSHE and our humanities curriculum as well as through our use of our mock elections, WOW day events and teaching through assembly themes that look at rights, respect, democracy and citizenship.

At Ripley Junior School we also place a large emphasis on volunteering for our school community. Our Ripley Junior Volunteers are easily identifiable around school by their colourful t-shirts. All children are encouraged to volunteer for short or longer projects that help and support our school community. This, alongside our ‘Jobs at RJS’ board, our Peer Buddies, our digital leaders and our Librarians ensures that all our children have a good understanding of individual liberty and how everyone has roles and responsibilities that contribute to making Ripley Junior School great.

Our geography curriculum opens the world on global citizenship and the rule of law, how Ripley fits into the wider world and how we treat and look after the world. We teach an inclusive Religious Education curriculum that teaches pupils about the beliefs and practices of all major religious groups, and indeed the shared values that religion can promote in synchrony with core British values.

We take our responsibility to promote community cohesion, generate a respect for difference and individual rights incredibly seriously. Our challenging curriculum enables pupils to recognise the valuable role that they play as emerging citizens in today’s British society.