LEARN MORE ABOUT
British values
The Government defined its concept of ‘British values’ in its 2011 Prevent strategy
and since 2014 the Department for Education has required all academies to
“promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs”.
Our academy has a wonderfully diverse community and welcomes and values everyone, whatever their ability, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexuality, or background. Currently, we have pupils and families who originate from many different countries worldwide. As a community academy, we believe we have a vital role in combating discrimination and promoting fairness, justice, and equality through our teaching and in the role models we offer. We teach our pupils to be responsible citizens and positive representatives of the United Kingdom within the wider world.
Promoting British values is, therefore, an intrinsic part of all we do. We expect that these values and attitudes are modelled and promoted by all the staff, allowing pupils to see and hear these values in action every day.
We promote ‘British values’ through our spiritual, moral, social, and cultural education which is developed through all curriculum areas and in all aspects of school life.
British values’ have been identified as:
- Democracy – • Pupils actively participate in democratic processes, such as voting for their pupil council representatives and making decisions about school initiatives like choosing new play equipment or charity fundraising activities. Through lessons and assemblies, children learn about the democratic system in the UK and the importance of having a voice.
- Rule of Law – Pupils are taught the value of rules and laws in maintaining order and fairness within society. Assemblies, class discussions, and academy policies reinforce the importance of laws, alongside the consequences of breaking them.
- Individual liberty – We encourage pupils to make choices within a safe and supportive environment. Through lessons, children learn about their rights, responsibilities, and freedoms, and how to exercise these safely.
- Mutual Respect and Tolerance – Pupils are taught to respect and celebrate differences in others, fostering an environment of inclusivity and understanding. Regular Religious Education (RE) lessons introduce children to a variety of faiths and beliefs. We maintain strong connections with community churches, fostering pupils’ understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures and religions. Through engaging assemblies and the celebration of various religious festivals, we provide opportunities for pupils to explore and respect different faiths, enhancing their cultural awareness and promoting inclusivity.
Curriculum integration
British values are mapped across our PSHE curriculum plans to ensure they are covered comprehensively. From assemblies to classroom discussions and extracurricular activities, we integrate these values into everyday learning and experiences.
