British values
Why we promote British Values:
As a school we have a responsibility to promote the basic British Values of democracy, rules of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect for those of different faiths and beliefs. This ensures young people understand the importance of respect and leave school fully prepared for life in modern Britain. It also develops an understanding of how citizens can influence decision making through the democratic process and an appreciation that living under the rule of law protects individual citizens and is essential for their wellbeing and safety.
Our aim:
- enable students to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence
- enable students to distinguish right from wrong and to respect the civil and criminal law of England
- encourage students to accept responsibility for their behaviour, show initiative, and to understand how they can contribute positively to the lives of those living and working in the locality of the school and to society more widely
- enable students 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 students to acquire an appreciation for and respect for their own and other cultures
- encourage respect for other people, and
- encourage respect for democracy and support for participation in the democratic processes, including respect for the basis on which the law is made and applied in England.
How British Values are taught:
We promote British Values in all curriculum subjects and a comprehensive selection of examples of how they are delivered can be seen on the ‘Boswells British Values’ document (see below). In addition they are fully addressed in the Personal Development Programmes of Study (see below). Displays around the school reinforce our commitment to developing knowledge of the fundamental values we promote. In addition they are promoted in the school’s monthly themes.
Schools Prevent duty:
The government has defined extremism in the Prevent strategy as ‘vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values’. As a school we use the behaviour policy to sanction inappropriate conduct towards any groups or individuals - we hold a racist and homophobic incident log for example. We work with the local Police to help educate young people about ‘hate crimes’ and all staff have received training about their responsibility to look for the signs of radicalisation. Staff liaise with the Designated Safeguard lead to make Prevent referrals when required.