Every effort is made to ensure the school’s ethos promotes the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs; and encourage students to respect other people, with particular regard to the protected characteristics set out in the Equality Act 2010.
As part of our Enrichment programme, we:
- Actively 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.
- Ensure that principles are actively promoted which –
- Enable pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence
- Enable pupils to distinguish right from wrong and to respect the civil and criminal law of England
- Encourage pupils to accept responsibility for their behaviour, show initiative and understand how they can contribute positively to the lives of those living and working in the locality in which the school is situated and to society more widely
- Enable pupils to acquire a broad general knowledge of and respect for public institutions and services in England
- Further tolerance and harmony between different cultural traditions by enabling pupils to acquire an appreciation of and respect for their own and other cultures
- Encourage respect for other people, paying particular regard to the protected characteristics set out in the Equality Act 2010
- Encourage respect for democracy and support for participation in the democratic process, including respect for the basis on which the law is made and applied in England
- Prevent the promotion of partisan political views in the teaching of any subject in the school; and
- Take such steps as are reasonably practicable to ensure that where political issues are brought to the attention of pupils they are offered a balanced presentation of opposing views. This should be:
- While they are in attendance at the school
- While they are taking part in extra-curricular activities which are provided or organised by or on behalf of the school; or
- In the promotion at the school, including through the distribution of promotional material, of extra-curricular activities taking place at the school or elsewhere;
Listed below are some examples of how we promote these values in our school community:
Democracy
Student voice is significant in regards to life at the Academy. Our student elected Academy Parliament plays a strong role in our school. They are elected by their class peers and are involved in making the Academy a better place to learn. Students have a great amount of input in regards to what and how they learn, which promotes student voice.
Student questionnaires and interviews are also conducted throughout the year. We know that the formation of the Academy Parliament and the active participation of our students will sow the seeds for a more sophisticated understanding of democracy in the future.
The Rule of Law
Our students encounter rules and laws throughout their entire lives including both criminal laws and religious laws. We want our students to understand that whether these laws govern the class, the school, the neighbourhood or the country, they are set for good reasons and must be adhered to.
This understanding of the importance of rules is consistently reinforced through assemblies, form time discussions and our curriculum. Throughout the year we welcome visits from members of the wider community including Police, Army, local councillors and many more. We believe that clear explanations and real life stories emphasise the importance of the rule of law for our students.
Individual Liberty
We invest a great deal of time in creating a positive culture in our school, so that students are in a safe environment where choices and freedoms are encouraged. We offer a range of extra-curricular clubs which students have the freedom to choose from, based on their interests. Through our Enrichment lessons and collapsed learning days, we educate students on their rights and personal freedoms as well as supporting them in recognising how to exercise these freedoms safely. At the Academy we believe that valuing positive choice and freedom in daily school life will foster a value for individual liberty as the students embark upon their adult lives.
Mutual respect
Mutual respect is at the core of our school life and is reflected within the very ethos of the academy. Students learn to treat each other and staff with great respect. This is evident when walking around the Academy and in classrooms.
Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
We strongly believe that tolerance is gained through knowledge and understanding. Through our curriculum and the routines of our daily school life, we strive to demonstrate tolerance and help students to become knowledgeable and understanding citizens who can build a better Britain for the future.
We regularly get opinions, on a wide range of issues from students, including during in person student voice activities including Hot Chocolate Friday.