Promoting British Values
British Values
The idea of looking after our Community and serving those within it will be at the core of everything we do, as well as demonstrating the values of Endeavour, Kindness, Ambition, and Integrity through our daily actions and communications each and every day.
The school knows it has a vital role in ensuring that groups or individuals are safe, open-minded and understand their personal rights and their responsibilities towards others.
The school follows equal opportunities guidance, which guarantees that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or similar.
The school upholds and models positive behaviours, language and actions throughout the day, every day. We promote and reinforce British Values to all our students.
The Government emphasises that schools are required to ensure that key ‘British Values’ are taught in all UK schools. The Government set out its definition of British Values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy.
The five British Values are:
- Democracy
- The Rule of Law
- Individual Liberty
- Mutual respect
- Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
Through the academic and pastoral curricula, we rely upon and promote these values across our school:
Democracy
The principle of democracy is probably most visible in our School Council, whose members are elected to represent the wider student body. It meets regularly, discussing education and the school priorities, often suggesting workable solutions and changing our approaches.
We also have a Head Students team with prefects and other school officials. These important roles are contested through hustings and student votes.
The Rule of Law
We have clear behaviour and reward policies that guide our staff and students in how to be fair, just and open with expectations in and around the school. We seek to be a Beacon Community – to inspire us all, to respect others in their successes and to have Integrity in all we do.
Individual Liberty
Every individual is encouraged to make the most of every opportunity to develop and thrive. We run enrichment clubs after school, the Duke of Edinburgh, national and international trips (China, the USA – and a 'Camps International' trip to Tanzania).
Students are encouraged to know and understand their rights and personal freedoms and are advised on how to exercise these safely. We deliver regular e-safety advice and explore many themes and topical stories through Tutor Time activities.
Mutual Respect
Kindness is one of our values. All members of the school community are expected to treat each other well, using the correct language and manners at all times. We are a school that challenges lack of respect and poor behaviour; as a community, we all need to learn, teach and work as happily and successfully as possible.
Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
We celebrate differences here. We learn about other faiths and beliefs through the curriculum, recognise Black History Month, invite speakers for LGBT issues, and work with local organisations and charities. We have PSHCE days that look at some of the key rights and wrongs in social, legal and political issues. Everyone and every group is represented as far as we can. We want our young people to go into the world with an open mind, a listening ear and a positive approach.
