British Values
The Government emphasises that schools are required to ensure that key ‘British Values’are taught in all UK schools.
Vale of Evesham School is committed to serving its community. It recognises the multi-cultural, multi faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom. It also understands the vital role it has 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. It 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. Vale of Evesham School is dedicated to preparing students for their adult life beyond the formal examined curriculum and ensuring that it promotes and reinforces British values to all its 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
The academy uses strategies within the National curriculum and beyond to secure such outcomes for students. The examples that follow show some of the many ways Vale of Evesham School seeks to embed British values.
Democracy
The principle of democracy is consistently being reinforced at Vale of Evesham School, with democracy processes being used for important decisions within the school community, for instance, elections being held for Pupil Prime minister and for Pupil Parliament for the school council. The principle of democracy is also explored in the Key Stage 3/4 History and English curriculum as well as in form time and assemblies.
The rule of law
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at Vale of Evesham School. Students are taught the rules and expectations of the school. Students are taught the value and the reasons behind laws that govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service reinforce this message.
Individual liberty
At Vale of Evesham School, students are actively encouraged to make independent choices, with the knowledge that they are in a safe, secure and supportive environment. Staff at Vale of Evesham School educate and provide boundaries for students to make informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education. Students are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised on how to exercise these safely, for example through e-safety and Tutor time work. Vale of Evesham has a robust anti-bullying culture and has in place a comprehensive Behaviour Policy.
Mutual Respect
Respect is a strong part of Vale of Evesham School and is part of its Mission Statement & Values. Students learn that their behaviour has an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community are expected to treat each other with respect and this is reiterated through its teaching and learning environments. Mutual respect is embraced throughout the curriculum by providing the opportunity for students to express their views in a safe environment. Vale of Evesham school teaches pupils to respect the rights of others and to recognise individual’s needs, backgrounds, interests and cultures whilst encouraging them to develop personally by taking on responsibility and becoming more socially aware through our whole school termly values and themes.
Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
This is achieved though equipping students with the ability to understand their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving the opportunities to experience such diversity within the school community. As a school we learn and celebrate festivities throughout the calendar year. Our PSHE lessons also provide a broad and balanced education on a range of faiths, religions and cultures.
Vale of Evesham School strives endlessly to ensure that its students leave with the strongest foundation of values upon which to build a successful life and a successful contribution to our Society.
In school we promote the importance of mutual respect through such things as:
- ‘Rights,Responsibilities and Respect’.
- Clear guidance on good behaviour in all areas, onoff-site activities and within the local community.
- Highlighting mutual respect if students agree to wait a turn in a lesson for another student to attempt an activity or answer.
- Students contribute to a variety of initiatives in support of the local community and charity fundraising such as Children in Need and Comic Relief.
Vale of Evesham school strives to support students with the strongest foundation of values upon which to build a successful life and a successful contribution to our Society.
