The Department for Education’s five-part definition of British Values is:

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

Here at Bridgewater School, our ethos is built on inclusivity, integrity and respect, ensuring that every student feels valued, heard and empowered to contribute to our diverse community. We recognise the richness of British society and actively celebrate its diversity through a wide range of lesson, events and experiences.

Across the entire curriculum – both academic and pastoral – and through an extensive extra-curricular programme, we promote these fundamental British values in meaningful and practical ways. Whether through our commitment to Democracy in student leadership opportunities, the Rule of Law in our clear behaviour policies, Individual Liberty in encouraging personal growth and independence, Mutual Respect in fostering positive relationships, or Tolerance through our inclusive teaching of different cultures and beliefs, we ensure that these principles are embedded in the life of our school.

The examples below highlight how we actively hold these values, nurturing socially responsible, principled and open-minded individuals who are prepared to contribute positively to both our school community and society as a whole.

Democracy

We actively encourage opportunities for students to have their voices heard, fostering a culture where their opinions are valued and play a role in school decision-making. In the Senior School, our School Council provides a platform for student representatives to discuss key issues and initiatives on behalf of their peers. In the Prep Department, Pupil Voice Ambassadors take on a similar role, ensuring that younger pupils also have a say in school life. These groups help shape school initiatives, including fundraising activities such as support for the new EYFS playground.

Student surveys on topics such as bullying empower pupils to share their views with confidence, knowing they will be listened to. Suggestion boxes are also available, allowing students to raise ideas or concerns anonymously, which are then considered by the Pastoral Team. Student involvement was central to the development of the recent Anti-Bullying Policy and the revision of the School Rules, ensuring they reflect the voices of those they impact most.

A key democratic initiative in the Prep Department is the election of the Prep Head Boy and Head Girl, first introduced on General Election Day in 2015. Held on national election days each year, this process sees Prep V pupils campaign and present their ideas before a school-wide vote.

Beyond formal representation, students engage with democracy through extra-curricular activities such as Model UN and the Debating Society, developing their ability to articulate ideas, consider diverse perspectives and engage in respectful discourse.

Examples within the curriculum:

• History, KS 3: The English Civil War, Chartist Movement, the Suffragette and Suffragist movements
• History, KS 4: The growth of parliament / King vs Parliament / Civil Wars
• History, KS5: The American Revolution as well as A Study of Britain 1945-1997
• MFL, KS4-5: Look at political issues and sovereignty, The Spanish Civil War, exploring social discrimination in France
• Economics & Business A-level: The areas of democracy, governing of markets, BREXIT and distribution of wealth are fundamental topics which are covered within the course
• PSHCE: Discussion on topics such as MPs, voting systems, combating bullying and discrimination, as well as contemporary political issues.

The Rule of Law

The importance of rules and laws are consistently reinforced through our School Rules and through assemblies. Students are taught about the value of rules and the importance of rules in our society, we well as the consequences of not following laws or rules. Visits from the local police and fire brigade, as part of the PSHE/PSHCE curriculum, help enforce these ideas.

The responsibilities we have were demonstrated recently when students were involved in re-writing the School Rules. A clearly structured behaviour policy is in place, which all students understand and follow. Behaviour expectations are displayed in each classroom and pupils are clear on what the school’s expectations are of behaviour and consequences for misbehaviour.

Assemblies throughout the year make links to The Rule of Law, with sessions delivered for students of different age ranges. For example, School Rules, E-Safety and Anti-Bullying Week reinforce how to stay safe and how students should behave towards others.

Examples within the curriculum:

• English, KS3: Students study the novel ‘Holes’ which is set in a juvenile detention centre in the US. Through this text we explore the moral and social issues of child incarceration
• RS, KS3: Study of prejudice and discrimination including the study of segregation laws in the USA
• RS, GCSE: Human Rights, laws, justice and punishment are studied
• ICT: Copyright laws, E-Safety

Individual Liberty

We promote a safe environment at Bridgewater School, where choice and freedom are encouraged and students empowered. We have clear behaviour and anti-bullying policies to help support this environment.

In lessons, pupils of all ages are actively encouraged to make choices – educating and providing boundaries for children to make choices safely. In lessons we encourage students to choose a learning task which will challenge them, giving them more freedom to determine their own learning

We offer a range of clubs which students have the freedom to choose from, based on their interests and passions. These include sporting opportunities such as football, netball, basketball and rugby. There are also clubs such as debating, Japanese, film clubs and Lego club for senior students looking for opportunities outside of the sporting arena and students regularly participate in events with other schools such as sports matches, quiz competitions and debating challenges.

The Prep department have Prep Councillors, Form Captains, Sports Team Captains, prefects, Deputy Head Boy & Girl and Head Boy & Girl, all of whom are either nominated or elected. Whilst older students are provided with the opportunity to apply to be a prefect or become part of the school’s student leadership team.

Examples within the curriculum:

• English, KS3: Study ‘Of Mice and Men’ – wider issues of race in the 20th century following the abolition of slavery are explored. Class system and economic and social inequality are also discussed through the study of ‘A Christmas Carol’ and ‘An Inspector Calls’
• RS, KS3: Unit of prejudice and discrimination, including a case study of Martin Luther King
• History, KS3: Study of the Suffragettes / Chartists / Factory legislation and the slave trade, and The Norman Conquest
• History, KS5: Study of Civil Rights between 1865 and 1980 – African Americans / Native Americans / Women / Trade Unions as well as the American Revolution
• MFL, KS5: Look at social change following war, changing role of Spanish / French society.

Mutual Respect

Mutual respect is at the core of our school ethos, guided by the principle of integrity. We believe in doing the right thing, being honest and principled, and treating others with the respect they deserve. Students and staff foster positive relationships built on trust, and partnerships between school and home are supportive and collaborative.

Respect is embedded within our whole school Rules and Code of Conduct. We set clear expectations for good behaviour and encourage students to take responsibility for their actions, understanding the impact of their choices on themselves and others. By acting with integrity, our students learn that true respect comes from honesty, accountability and fairness. This is reinforced through our PSHE/PSHCE curriculum, which explores the values of mutual respect in units such as relationships and being a responsible citizen.

Integrity is also celebrated through recognition of students’ achievements, both in sports and personal endeavours, with Form Tutor, Pastoral Coordinator and Headteacher awards.

Beyond the classroom, our commitment to integrity and respect extends to supporting communities both in the UK and overseas. Students actively participate in charitable initiatives for organisations such as Macmillan Cancer Support, Young Minds and Comic Relief, demonstrating a deep sense of responsibility and compassion for others.

Examples within the curriculum:

• PSHCE, across Key Stages: Opportunities to develop understanding of issues such as personal identity, prejudice and discrimination, relationships, human rights and mental, emotional and physical health
• RS, across Key Stages: Developing an understanding of the world we live in and the impact of religion and beliefs on society. Continual development of tolerance and mutual respect for all
• PE, across Key Stages: Promotion of ‘fair play’ in lessons and matches. Following and developing rules, inclusion, celebrating and rewarding success, being magnanimous in defeat, and participation in activities that promote kinship and affiliation with others
• ICT: Discussion of mutual respect when using technology and social media.

Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs

At Bridgewater School, we believe that tolerance is gained through knowledge, understanding and inclusivity. We recognise that everyone is unique, with different backgrounds, beliefs and experiences that enrich our school community. Through our curriculum – especially RS and PSHE/PSHCE – we provide a broad and balanced education on a range of faiths, religions and cultures, demonstrating the importance of tolerance and fostering a warm, welcoming environment where all perspectives are valued.

Our commitment to inclusivity is reflected in our Senior School trips to a local Gurdwara and Hindu Temple, as well as visits from the Humanist Association. These experiences help students appreciate different worldviews and develop a deeper respect for diversity. The RS department also runs a monthly SMSC competition, encouraging students to explore key religious and cultural events, further strengthening their understanding of others.

Through a rich and challenging humanities curriculum and a focus on key events in British history, pupils are encouraged to reflect on their role in a diverse, multicultural and multi-faith society. At Bridgewater, we ensure that every student feels a sense of belonging, knowing that their differences are recognised, respected and celebrated.

Examples within the curriculum:

• History, KS5: Study of Civil Rights for African Americans, Native Americans, Women and Trade Unions
• Business Studies, KS4: Cultural differences between different customer groups
• Music: The study of World Music and cultural aspects of musical styles. Year 7 study Samba and we look at the community and origins of Samba and Brazilian music. Year 8 study Gamelan and Indian music and Year 9, The Blues and Reggae. The Blues in particular centres around the slave trade and how music originated from within
• Art, KS3: ‘Cultures’ topic – discussion of various cultural beliefs and focus on costume masks. Connections with different societies and respect for their beliefs and traditions and how these are portrayed visually
• MFL: Across the curriculum we strongly promote cultural traditions and values of other countries, promoting the concept of global citizenship
• RS: Across the curriculum – gaining a greater understanding of religious diversity and practices, which covers key religions represented in the UK and within our school.