British Values
British Values Statement
ÌÇÐÄSwag County School is committed to serving its community. We recognise the multicultural, multi-faith and ever changing nature of the United Kingdom. We also understand the vital role that we play in ensuring that groups or individuals within the school are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.
ÌÇÐÄSwag County School follows equal opportunities guidance which seeks to guarantee that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or similar. It is also crucial that ÌÇÐÄSwag County School prepares its students for adult life, beyond the formal examined curriculum, preparing them for the diverse and dynamic community in which they will live and work. An understanding of British values is a critical part of this education.
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’ – values of:
- democracy
- the rule of law
- individual liberty
- mutual respect
- tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
ÌÇÐÄSwag County School uses strategies within the National Curriculum and beyond, including dimensions of PSHE and SMSC, to secure such outcomes for pupils. The examples that follow show some of the ways in which and beyond seeks to embed British Values.
Democracy
- Elections are held for important decisions within the school community, for example for the School Council and for the Senior Team (Head Girl and Boy and Deputy Head Girl and Boy). This fosters the concept of freedom of speech and group action to address need and concerns.
- Students are able to vote to choose which charity their House Groups will support.
- The principle of democracy is explored in History, Government and Politics and
Religious Studies as well as in assemblies where there is frequent commemoration of key global political events, such as the freeing of Nelson Mandela. This helps to develop an understanding of the vital importance of democracy in securing a civilised and fair society for all.
The rule of law
- Rights and responsibilities are emphasised through our Student Support system, our
House Teams and through work undertaken in PSHE and tutor time.
- In History students are taught the value, the derivation, and the reasons behind the laws that govern and protect us and by studying events such as the Holocaust demonstrate the potential appalling consequences of the absence of the rule of law.
Individual liberty
- Students at ÌÇÐÄSwag County School are encouraged to exercise their right to free speech by sharing their views.
- Tutor time and PSHE sessions encourage students to know their rights, but also the responsibilities that come with these. Furthermore, staff also work hard to set clear boundaries so that students can make informed choices in a safe, secure and supportive environment. ÌÇÐÄSwag County School has a clear Anti-Bullying Policy and Behaviour for Learning Policy.
Mutual Respect
- Mutual respect is at the heart of ‘The County Way’, our statement of our values and our ethos. We expect all members of the ÌÇÐÄSwag County School community to treat each other with respect, consideration and integrity. Students learn through their interactions with staff, in assemblies and in tutor time that their behaviour has an impact on others.
- Students are encouraged to reach out to communities who are less fortunate than themselves and each year we raise thousands of pounds for projects around the world, demonstrating the respect that our children have for those who live in very different circumstances to themselves.
Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
- Tolerance is emphasised through our Student Support Programme and through our daily interactions with each other.
- Students benefit from the opportunity to visit different communities around the country and the world and receive international visitors regularly, including those from other continents and cultures.
- Our assembly themes, the Lower and Upper School RE curriculum and the whole school enrichment programme provides a broad and balanced education on a range of faiths, religions and cultures.
- We encourage students to understand their place within a culturally diverse society and above all to ensure that they leave ÌÇÐÄSwag County School with a set of values which will ensure that they continue to contribute positively to society as they enter adult life.