British Values and the Curriculum

LJFS – Mapping of Fundamental British Values (FBV) Across the Curriculum

  1. Statement of Intent

At LJFS, the Fundamental British Values (Democracy, Rule of Law, Individual Liberty, Mutual Respect and Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs) are embedded across the curriculum, daily school life, the Jewish ethos of the school, and the personal development programme.
Our approach ensures that students:

  • Understand the structures, expectations and rights within British society
  • Develop respectful attitudes to others, including across faiths, cultures, and backgrounds
  • Learn to critically evaluate information, viewpoints, and social issues
  • Are prepared for life in modern Britain with strong moral, civic and social awareness
  1. Overview Table – British Values Across Subjects 

 

Subject Democracy Rule of Law Individual Liberty Mutual Respect & Tolerance
PSHE Rights, responsibilities, consent, tackling discrimination, student voice tasks, debates Online safety, sexting, law on drugs/alcohol, risk, safeguarding Emotional wellbeing, identity, lifestyle choices Relationships, anti-discrimination, prejudice, protected characteristics
Citizenship (Y10–11) Elections, voting, Parliament, democracy Criminal justice, rights, responsibilities, law-making Political literacy, debate, freedom of expression Global issues, equality, international cooperation
History Studying the evolution of democratic rights (Magna Carta, Civil War, suffrage, Weimar Republic) Totalitarianism, Nazism, dictatorship, justice across periods Critical inquiry and independent judgement Holocaust education, Empire and colonialism, conflict studies
English Debates, rhetorical techniques, discussion of perspectives Ethics in literature, societal rules in texts Creative expression, developing voice Literature from multiple cultures, identity, relationships
Jewish Studies Community leadership, shared responsibilities, Jewish nationhood Halachic principles, ethical frameworks Personal belief, spiritual development Deep study of Judaism while promoting coexistence, understanding others’ beliefs
Geography Human geography, population, global governance Climate agreements, international policy Environmental responsibility, lifestyle choices Cultural/geographical diversity
Science Ethical use of science (climate change, genetics) Lab safety, scientific method, evidence-based rules Personal health, reproductive choices (handled age‑appropriately) Respect for differing beliefs around science and culture
Modern Languages Expressing opinions, dialogue skills Cultural norms, social rules Developing independent communication Deep study of Spanish/French cultures and global diversity
PE Teamwork, fairness, sportsmanship Rules in sport, safe participation Self-improvement, personal health Inclusion, respect for all abilities
Drama Ensemble work, collaborative decision-making Structure, discipline of rehearsal, evaluation criteria Performance choices, creativity Exploring varied cultures, stories, identities
Art & Design Expression, critique, collaborative work Safe studio practice Personal and cultural identity World art traditions: Aboriginal, African, Day of the Dead, Surrealism
Food Tech Group roles in kitchen, shared decision-making Health and safety, hygiene laws Dietary choices, creativity in design Global cuisines, cultural food traditions
Careers Student voice, goal-setting, employer encounters Employment law, equality of opportunity Self-determination, aspiration Diverse workplaces, anti-stereotyping

 

British Values Embedded by Subject

3.1 PSHE (Years 7–11)

Democracy:

  • Group discussions, debates, digital literacy debates, consent, discrimination debates
  • Young Enterprise / Tenner Challenge includes democratic decision-making

Rule of Law:

  • Sexting, online safety, cybercrime
  • Drugs/alcohol law, gambling, financial regulation
  • Rights, responsibilities, safeguarding

Individual Liberty:

  • Identity, body image, healthy choices
  • Decision-making, personal safety, self-reflection

Mutual Respect & Tolerance:

  • Tackling racism, antisemitism, transphobia, misogyny, homophobia
  • Healthy relationships, equality, respect

3.2 Citizenship (Y10–11)

Democracy:

  • British political system, elections, Parliament, pressure groups
  • Citizenship Action Project: students influence real issues

Rule of Law:

  • Criminal justice, international law, human rights
  • Media regulation, roles of police, courts

Individual Liberty:

  • Freedom of expression in debates
  • Understanding rights vs. responsibilities

Mutual Respect & Tolerance:

  • Global issues, migration, humanitarian challenges
  • Comparative political systems

3.3 History (Y7–11)

Democracy:

  • Development of Parliament
  • Civil War, rise of nation-states, world conflict
  • Weimar Germany and democratic fragility

Rule of Law:

  • Medieval justice, Tudor law, Nazi dictatorship
  • Study of persecution and genocide

Individual Liberty:

  • Rights movements, Empire and its consequences
  • Ethical judgement based on evidence

Mutual Respect & Tolerance:

  • Holocaust, antisemitism, racism, extremism
  • Empathy through historical narratives

3.4 Jewish Studies

Democracy:

  • Community leadership, nationhood, festivals about collective decision-making

Rule of Law:

  • Halacha, mitzvot, ethical conduct

Individual Liberty:

  • Reflection on spirituality, choices, moral reasoning

Mutual Respect & Tolerance:

  • Jewish identity within pluralistic Britain
  • Exploration of persecution, resilience, coexistence

3.5 English (Y7–11)

Democracy:

  • Classroom oracy, debates, persuasive writing

Rule of Law:

  • Moral dilemmas in texts (Macbeth, Dickens, Sign of Four)

Individual Liberty:

  • Creative expression through writing
  • Independent interpretation of literature

Mutual Respect & Tolerance:

  • Diverse literature, global texts, identity-focused stories

3.6 Geography

Democracy:

  • Global governance, development indicators

Rule of Law:

  • Climate policy, environmental law, resource management

Individual Liberty:

  • Personal responsibility toward the planet

Mutual Respect & Tolerance:

  • Cultural diversity, global communities, megacities

3.7 Science

Democracy:

  • Scientific debate, evidence-based decision-making

Rule of Law:

  • Lab safety
  • Ethical regulations (genetics, medicine)

Individual Liberty:

  • Understanding of body, health, diet

Mutual Respect & Tolerance:

  • Respect for differing cultural views on science

3.8 Modern Languages (Spanish & French)

Democracy:

  • Expressing opinions in structured dialogue

Rule of Law:

  • Social norms in Spanish/French-speaking countries

Individual Liberty:

  • Linguistic independence, personal preferences

Mutual Respect & Tolerance:

  • Deep cultural appreciation
  • Festivals, traditions, social customs
  1. Whole-School Provision and Ethos

Beyond the curriculum, LJFS supports British Values through:

4.1 Faith & Values Framework

  • Jewish Studies emphasises chesed, tzedek, mishpat, and rachamim: aligning naturally with British Values.
  • Holocaust remembrance develops deep cultural tolerance and understanding of democracy and justice.

4.2 Assemblies

Themes include:

  • Democracy in action
  • Anti-racism and antisemitism
  • Charity, leadership, community responsibility
  • Faith, diversity, remembrance events

4.3 Behaviour Policy

  • Clear expectations, rewards, sanctions
  • Restorative practice aligns with the Rule of Law

4.4 Student Leadership

  • School council
  • Subject ambassadors
  • Peer mentoring

4.5 Safeguarding

  • PREVENT training
  • Online safety
  • Identification of risks related to extremism
  • Promoting student voice in safeguarding