British Values
The Department for Education has introduced a statutory duty for schools to promote British Values from September 2014, and to ensure they are actively promoted and adhered to in schools.
Townsend Church of England School is committed to serving its diverse 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.
We are dedicated to preparing students for their adult life beyond the curriculum and ensuring that it promotes and reinforces British values to all our students.
The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy.
The four key British Values are:
- Democracy
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faiths and belief
- Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
Democracy
Democracy can be seen as a state of society characterised by equality of rights and privileges. It can also refer to our nation’s electoral systems.
In school we promote the importance of democracy through such things as:
The free and fair election process for student positions of responsibility such as the Student Council
Students being encouraged to consider alternative pathways in lessons by using the 7Rs to reflect upon their actions
Student Voice on key school decisions through processes including surveys, school council committees, student voice scrutiny
Students leadership programmes such as Anti-Bullying Ambassadors, Mentors, Senior Student Leaders
Strong adherence to our Equalities policy and objectives in line with the Equality Act 2010
The Rule of Law
All people and institutions are subject to and accountable to law that is fairly applied and enforced.
In school we promote the importance of the rule of law through such things as:
School code of conduct and behaviour and discipline policies
Marking and feedback and homework policies set to clear boundaries, which are explained clearly to students and staff
Accountability is stressed to all stakeholders including staff (Teacher’s Standards), students (Student code of conduct) and Governors
Individual Liberty
Individual liberty suggests the free exercise of rights generally seen as outside Government control.
In school we promote the importance of individual liberty through such things as:
A robust and clear anti-bullying culture and policy for all students and staff, which allows the opportunity for individual choices in a safe and supportive environment
The increasing liberty afforded to students as they move up through the years.
The wealth of extra-curricular activities and clubs available to all students
Students actively encouraged to express views and opinions in lessons in a formative manner
Students offered choice for their future academic pathways as they move through the Key Stages
Opportunities for freedom of speech and expression through mediums such as the school newsletter, pupil voice etc. Mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faiths (including none) and beliefs
The proper regard for an individual’s dignity, which is reciprocated.
Mutual Respect
In school we promote the importance of mutual respect and tolerance as an, objective, and permissive attitude to those whose faith (including none) and beliefs may differ from one’s own. In school we promote the importance of tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs through such things as:
- Clear guidance on the impact of good behaviour in all facets of school life
- Learning culture promotes students to take responsibility for their actions and the implications of negative behaviour on others
- The promotion and enforcement of impeccable uniform and appearance for students and staff
- Wellbeing promotes mutual respect through the skills developed in assemblies / alternative timetable days/ the broad and balanced PSHE curriculum
- Assemblies, tutor time, PSHE lessons
- Christmas concert
- Charity Christmas hampers for the residents of a local day care centre
- Religious Education curriculum taught to all students across key stages 3 and 4
- Eid cards and letters to our Muslim students
