British Values

At Bevington, we nurture children to become thoughtful, responsible and active citizens. Our Behaviour Expectations are the foundation for everything we do, closely aligned with the Fundamental British Values:

Democracy
Rule of Law
Individual Liberty
Mutual Respect
Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs

These values are taught across the curriculum, explored in assemblies, modelled by staff, and reinforced through meaningful experiences in and out of the classroom.

Democracy: Everyone Has a Voice

We teach our pupils that their opinions matter and that they can make a positive difference in their school and wider community. From the moment children arrive at Bevington, they are encouraged to express themselves respectfully and contribute to shared decisions. School Council elections happen every September, with secret ballots and campaigning, mirroring the national electoral system. Councillors represent their classmates, bring forward ideas and take an active role in shaping school life.

In the curriculum:

Year 1: Exploring London and understanding how decisions shape our capital city.
Year 3: Investigating how democracy was tested during World War II.
Year 6: Studying tourism and local governance in North America.

Children also take part in votes, classroom debates and decision-making activities that promote fairness, collaboration and compromise.

Rule of Law: Knowing and Respecting the Rules

We support pupils to understand the importance of rules and routines as a way to keep everyone safe, respected and included. Our Behaviour Expectations are clearly communicated and consistently upheld, with pupils learning that freedom comes with responsibility. We regularly revisit ideas of fairness, justice and consequences through PSHE and assemblies. Pupils understand that their actions affect others, and that following rules creates a better learning environment for all.

In the curriculum:

Year 2: Investigating the Gunpowder Plot and thinking about laws then and now.
Year 4: Understanding safety in science through the Electricity unit.
Year 6: Exploring international rules and responsibility through the ‘Trade in the Wider World’ geography unit.

Visits from the local police and fire services reinforce real-world understanding of the law, and sporting events, competitions and computing lessons help pupils apply fairness and safety to different settings.

Individual Liberty: Freedom with Responsibility

Our pupils are taught to make their own choices confidently, with an understanding of how to stay safe and show respect. We create an environment where children can try new things, explore their interests and take ownership of their learning. From Early Years onwards, pupils are encouraged to speak up, take on leadership roles and pursue activities that reflect their personality and values.

In the curriculum:

Year 5: Exploring climate activism, freedom of speech and global citizenship in the Rainforest and British Empire topics.
Year 6: Designing their own digital spaces through computing lessons on web design.
All year groups: Access to creative expression through arts, DT and pupil-led clubs.

Children take part in pupil leadership opportunities, enrichment sessions, workshops and performances where they can express their views and talents in a safe and positive environment.

Mutual Respect: Every Voice, Every Person Matters

Respect is at the heart of our school community. Children learn that being respectful is about how we speak, how we listen, how we work and how we respond to challenges. They are taught to show empathy, consider other people’s feelings and recognise their own role in building a positive school culture. Staff model respectful relationships with each other and with pupils, and we use restorative approaches when conflicts arise.

In the curriculum:

Year 1: Considering community resilience during the Great Fire of London.
Year 3: Exploring cultural identity through the Notting Hill Carnival topic.
Year 4: Developing collaborative performance and listening skills in the string ensemble programme.

Children practise mutual respect daily—during team projects, when giving feedback to peers, or while resolving playground issues. Respect isn’t just a word; it’s how we treat each other every day.

Tolerance and Understanding: Celebrating Differences

At Bevington, we believe that diversity enriches learning and life. Children are taught about a range of faiths, cultures and identities, and they are encouraged to ask questions and learn from each other. Our teaching promotes curiosity, not judgement. We challenge stereotypes, and we actively discuss inclusion, fairness and belonging.

In the curriculum:

Year 2: Learning about belief and motivation through the lives of Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole.
Year 3: Exploring cultural heritage through art and music in the Notting Hill Carnival project.
Year 6: Understanding how belief shaped society in Ancient Egypt and the Islamic Golden Age.

Our RE curriculum covers Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism, Hinduism and Buddhism, as well as humanism and other worldviews. Visits to places of worship, themed assemblies, and celebrations of religious and cultural festivals help pupils build respectful and informed worldviews.

We Stand Together

We are committed to upholding these values across our school. At Bevington, we challenge prejudice and discrimination in all its forms. We actively reject extremism and all forms of intolerance. Everyone—staff, pupils and families—has a part to play in creating a safe, respectful and inclusive school environment.