Promoting British Values in our school community
We agree with the Department for Education’s five-part definition of British Values:
- Democracy
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Mutual respect
- Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
Actively promoting these values means challenging opinions or behaviours in school that are contrary to fundamental British values. Attempts to promote systems that undermine fundamental British values would be completely at odds with our school’s duty to provide the spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development of our pupils.
Below is an outline of how we promote these values in our school community:
Democracy
Pupil voice plays a big part of life at Sladewood Academy. All pupils are given the chance to be a school council representative and they play a strong role in school improvement. Pupils are often encouraged to make an input to their learning and what they would like to learn, which promotes pupil voice and learning motivation. For example, the pupils are involved in choosing texts, topics and themes for class assemblies. We feel that these opportunities to shape their school will sow the seeds for a better understanding of democracy in the future.
The Rule of Law
We want our pupils to understand that whether these laws govern the class, the school, the neighbourhood or the country, they are set for good reasons and should be followed. The understanding of our school rules is consistently reinforced in corridors and classrooms, through assemblies and in our curriculum. The involvement of our pupils in the creation of the class rules helps them to understand the reasons behind rules and the consequences if these rules are broken. Throughout the year we welcome visits from members of the wider community including police, church, hospitals, the fire brigade and many more. We believe that clear explanations and real-life stories emphasise the importance of the Rule of Law for our pupils.
Individual Liberty
There is a huge focus on creating a positive culture in our school, so children are in a safe environment where choices and freedoms are encouraged. Our positive behaviour approach encourages pupils to make individual choices. Through online safety and Personal Social Health & Education sessions, we help develop the children on their rights and personal freedoms as well as supporting them in recognising how to exercise these freedoms safely. We offer a number of clubs and have an enrichment afternoon where pupils have the freedom to choose from activities, based on their interests. At Sladewood we believe that valuing choice and freedom in daily school life will foster a value for individual liberty as the children embark upon their adult lives
Mutual Respect
Respect, kindness and love towards others are some of our core values and therefore this plays an important role in our daily life. Mutual respect is promoted daily through the school rules and our assemblies. The school supports a range of charities through activities and charity days. Our reward system captures ‘good citizens’ – pupils who have been respectful or kind to others – and our ‘reading buddies’ programme helps to support the pupils’ respect of others who have different needs. Our mix of staff also provide pupils with a wider sense of understanding and mutual respect. Mutual respect is at the core of our school life.
Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
We offer a culturally rich and diverse curriculum in which all major religions are studied and respected. At Sladewood 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 children to become knowledgeable and understanding citizens who can build a better Britain for the future.