British Values and Equalities

At Rowde C of E Primary Academy, we believe that preparing children for life in modern Britain is about much more than learning facts. It is about developing kind, thoughtful and responsible citizens who understand how to contribute positively to their communities and the wider world.

Our Christian vision of Learn • Grow • Love underpins everything we do. Through our curriculum, collective worship, relationships and daily school life, children develop the knowledge, skills and character needed to become active citizens who value themselves, others and the world around them.

British Values at Rowde

The Department for Education requires schools to actively promote the fundamental British Values. At Rowde, these are not taught as a standalone subject but are woven throughout every aspect of school life and form an important part of our Personal Development curriculum.

We teach and promote:

• Democracy – ensuring every voice is heard and helping children understand how fair decisions are made.
• The Rule of Law – understanding that rules and laws keep people safe, protect rights and help communities flourish.
• Individual Liberty – encouraging children to make wise choices, celebrate who they are and understand that freedom comes with responsibility.
• Mutual Respect – treating others as we would like to be treated and recognising the dignity and value of every person.
• Respecting Different Faiths, Beliefs and Cultures – celebrating diversity, learning from one another and showing kindness, curiosity and respect.

These values are lived every day through our behaviour curriculum, We Are Rowde expectations, pupil leadership opportunities, democratic voting, curriculum learning, collective worship and the relationships we build across our school community.

Children revisit each value throughout their time at Rowde, developing from understanding themselves and those around them to becoming active citizens who are ready to make a positive contribution to society.

You can view our British Values progression below:

British Values at Rowde AY26-27

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We believe that every child is uniquely created, valued and loved. Our aim is to ensure that every member of our school community feels welcomed, respected and able to flourish.

Children are taught that:

• Everyone belongs.
• Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
• Everyone is unique.
• Diversity should be celebrated.
• We all have a responsibility to challenge discrimination and promote inclusion.

Through our curriculum, collective worship and everyday interactions, children learn about equality, diversity and the importance of respecting those whose experiences, beliefs or backgrounds may be different from their own.

As part of this learning, children develop an age-appropriate understanding of the protected characteristics identified within the Equality Act 2010. These are thoughtfully woven throughout our curriculum and Personal Development programme, helping children to understand fairness, inclusion and the importance of treating everyone with kindness and respect.

The protected characteristics are:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage and civil partnership
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Race
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation

You can find out more in the documents below:

Protected Characteristics at Rowde

Equality Information and Objectives Policy

One way we bring these values to life is through our Jigsaw PSHE programme and weekly Picture News sessions. These provide children with regular opportunities to discuss current events, explore different viewpoints and develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to become kind, thoughtful and active citizens. You can find out more about these resources below:

British Values in Jigsaw 2026

Protected Characteristics in Jigsaw 2026

British Values through Picture News 2026Protected Characteristics through Picture News 2026