British Values Statement
We recognise the multicultural, multi-faith nature of the United Kingdom and understand the crucial role our school plays in promoting these values.
Examples of the ways that British values are promoted include:
Mutual Respect:
- At the heart of our whole school ethos is a commitment to core attitudes that we believe contribute to individuals being able to live happy and successful lives within the communities to which they belong. Respect is embedded within the whole school 'rewards and sanctions' system. Our PSHE curriculum embodies values of mutual respect through units of learning (i.e. relationships, being a responsible citizen, etc)
Democracy:
- Democracy is embedded at the school. Pupils are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and with concern to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard. Pupils also have the opportunity to air their opinions and ideas through our School Council and regular questionnaires. The elections of the Unit Forum Leaders and School Council members are based solely on pupil votes, reflecting our British electoral system and demonstrating democracy in action.
Individual Liberty:
- Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for our pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and an empowering education. We support pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence. Our pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely; examples of this can be clearly seen in our e-safety and PSHE lessons. We implement a strong anti-bullying culture.
The Rule of Law:
- The importance of laws whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout our school day, through our school assemblies and also when dealing with behaviour in school. We encourage our pupils to distinguish right from wrong and help pupils to understand that living under the rule of law protects individuals. Our pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from the Police, Fire Service etc. also help to reinforce our messages. Our restorative justice approach helps us to resolve conflicts.
Tolerance:
- Staff from other countries, and visitors from other faiths, share their language and culture with pupils, through activities such as our established partnership with St Vincent de Paul in Zambia. The similarities and differences between ourselves and our partner school have given us chance to reflect on celebrating variety and identity. Through this our pupils gain an enhanced understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society. Our RE curriculum provides a broad and balanced education on a range of faiths, religions and cultures