Schools have a duty to promote the British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

These four key principles provide a helpful definition.

However, according to our 11-16 year olds a definition of Britishness is broad, personal and, above all else, interesting.

Many suggestions from pupils focus upon British things; the red telephone box although, as I discovered last week in Hull, there are white phone boxes too! One pupil suggested it is all about British food and cited Balti curries and fish'n'chips.

Our family holidays were always spent in the UK as my parents believed that my brother and I had to appreciate the country where we were born before exploring the wider world.

Swimming in the icy Loch Tunnel in the majestic highlands of Scotland as an eight year-old was every bit as majestic as the dip I took in Lake Garda last year.

Prawn with basil and chilli on the beach in Koh Samet Thailand is delicious but is it as good as the fish and chips in Whitby?

Breton cider is nice but who would prefer that to Worcestershire and Herefordshire varieties?

Black Forest gateau enjoyed on a café terrace in Titisee, Baden Wurttemberg is delightful but so are our scones with cream and jam - never mind whether they be from Devon or Cornwall.

Who needs 25 degree Spanish sun when you can spend a cloudy day on the beach in wellies and sweaters building sandcastles?

Perhaps my parents were right; being British is ultimately appreciating what we have in all its variety.

However, none of this explains why fish and chips taste so much nicer by the seaside!