British Values

At Riverside, we are committed to promoting British Values as part of our broad and balanced curriculum. These values—Democracy, Rule of Law, Individual Liberty, Mutual Respect, and Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs—are embedded in all aspects of school life and help prepare our pupils for life in modern Britain.

Democracy

We teach children the importance of having a voice and making decisions together. This is achieved through:

• A School Council where elected representatives discuss ideas and issues raised by their peers.
• Pupil surveys and votes on key school matters, such as choosing charities to support.
• Classroom discussions where children are encouraged to express their opinions and listen to others respectfully.

Rule of Law

We help children understand the importance of rules and laws in keeping everyone safe and ensuring fairness. This is reinforced by:

• Clear school rules that all pupils understand and follow.
• Behaviour policies that emphasise positive choices and consequences.
• Visits from local police officers and community figures to discuss laws and responsibilities.
• Learning about historical and contemporary laws that shape society.

Individual Liberty

We encourage children to make independent choices and understand their rights and responsibilities. This is supported by:

• A curriculum that allows pupils to explore their interests and talents.
• Teaching about online safety and responsible digital citizenship.
• Encouraging pupils to take on leadership roles, such as playground buddies or sports captains.

Mutual Respect

Respect is at the heart of everything we do. We promote this through:

• A school ethos that values kindness and inclusivity.
• Teaching pupils to listen to and appreciate different perspectives.
• Anti-bullying initiatives and assemblies that reinforce positive relationships.
• Teamwork and collaboration in lessons, sports, and extracurricular activities.

Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs

We celebrate diversity and encourage pupils to appreciate different cultures and religions. This is achieved through:

• A Religious Education (RE) curriculum that explores various faiths and worldviews.
• Visits to places of worship
• Celebrations of cultural festivals and events, such as Diwali, Eid, Christmas, and Chinese New Year.
• Encouraging open discussions about beliefs, traditions, and respect for others.

By embedding these values in our daily practice, we ensure that our pupils grow into responsible, respectful, and well-rounded individuals who are ready to contribute positively to society.