British Values
In 2014 the Government set out their expectations as regards the roles schools must play in ensuring children have a secure understanding of British Values:
“A key part of our plan for education is to ensure children become valuable and fully rounded members of society who treat others with respect and tolerance, regardless of background.
We want every school to promote the basic British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance 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.”
- www.gov.uk/government/news/guidance-on-promoting-british-values-in-schools-published
- Democracy
- Rule of Law
- Mutual Respect & Tolerance
- Individual Liability
At Staniland Academy these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy
Each year the pupils decide upon their class rules. We have an Academy Council which meets regularly to make decisions about the Academy. The Council has its own budget and is genuinely able to effect change within the Academy. Every pupil on the Council is voted in by their class. Pupils also complete an annual questionnaire where they are able to put forward their views about the Academy.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the Academy, or the country, are consistently reinforced at Staniland Academy. Pupils are taught from an early age the rules of the Academy.
Pupils are taught: the value and reasons behind rules and laws; that they govern and protect us; the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from our local M.P. and PCSOs reinforce this message.
Individual Liberty
At Staniland Academy, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As an Academy, we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our PSHE lessons. They also understand that with rights come responsibilities.
Mutual Respect
Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Pupils learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
At Staniland Academy we actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures. Religious Education lessons and PSHE lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others. As an Academy we work closely with families from different faiths in order to ensure that all children are included.
The above values echo those of the school, namely: morality, thoughtfulness, cooperation, respect and perseverance. We refer to these in school as our ‘Values to Live By’.
