To help ensure that children leave school prepared for life in modern Britain, the DfE issued guidance to all schools on improving the spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development of children through the promotion of fundamental British values. Across our family of schools, we aim to develop a climate where the British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs are deeply embedded at every level and lived through our vivid vision, core values and curriculum.

As outlined in our aims and vivid vision, we seek to encourage our children to act with integrity and respect so that they embrace and celebrate diversity and understand our rich cultural history. Furthermore, we aim to empower our children to become humble, compassionate global citizens who learn how to live successful and happy lives where they are informed, courageous advocates of the things that matter to them. Underpinning this are the key concepts of being and belonging: being hopeful, considerate human beings who know they matter and that they can shape a positive future for themselves and others, understanding how they belong to their community, modern Britain and the world, recognising they can make a difference now.

At The Whiteoak Academies, English plays a vital role in helping us to deliver our vivid vision by supporting the personal development of children and promoting fundamental British values.

Through reading, the doors to the world are opened to our children. The texts that we use to drive our curriculum have been chosen with care and are reflective not only of the community that we serve, but the wider community of Britain and indeed the world. These books teach our children about tolerance, but more than that, about how we can celebrate diversity and challenge prejudice.  Through reading, our children not only see their own lives reflected, but they explore and find out about cultures, faiths and beliefs that may be different to their own.

Our children understand that we live in a democratic society and English provides them with opportunities to have their voice heard. Through discussion, classroom debates and written outcomes, children have the chance to ‘have their say’ and put forward an opinion. Ensuring that we have respect for ideas that are different to our own and that we can expect the same respect in return, is an important part of learning in this area.

Each year, across our family of schools, we hold a British Values Week, which is text-driven. The picture books chosen for study and enjoyment, help our children to understand a little better what these values mean to them. Reading ‘Something Else’ by Kathryn Cave and Chris Riddell shows our Reception children that you can be different and still belong, while ‘Mixed’ by Arree Chung opens up discussion in Year 5 about difference and acceptance.

Through reading and writing about the characters and events that they meet in stories, we give our children the opportunity to acquire a set of moral beliefs and values. They have the chance to witness what the consequences are of different courses of action and the impact that a character’s actions can have on others. This is such a powerful way to develop and deepen an understanding of right from wrong.