Promoting British Values at Whipman Woods Academy
The DfE have reinforced the need “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.”
The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values have been reiterated by the Prime Minister. At Whipman Woods these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy underpins a lot of the work we undertake with our children. Pupil voice is a crucial part of our ethos and we are proud to ensure ALL children’s voices are heard. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School and Class Councils, Learning Committee, Sports Ambassadors, Learning Ambassadors, Learning walks, contributions to interviewing new staff and Pupil questionnaires. Elections for School Council representatives are undertaken in each class and the school council works with others across our partner schools to form the Flying High Trust Pupils Parliament. Children are always able to voice their opinions and we foster an environment where children are safe to disagree with each other. Our curriculum specifically studies democracy within certain year groups.
The Rule of Law:
The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are reinforced throughout our curriculum, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. The school’s behaviour philosophy has at its core the principle of making the correct choices in life and our Behaviour Policy is derived from the key value of keeping making the right choice and understanding the impact if the wrong choice is made. Our pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police, Fire Service etc. are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message.
Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and 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 E-Safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it be through choice of challenge, of how they record work, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
Running through the heart of our school philosophy and vision is respect. This is consistently and frequently discussed with the children through circle time, assemblies, class and school councils. Our behaviour philosophy is based around ensuring all children respect one another and can value everyone as individuals.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:
This is achieved through enhancing pupils understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE. Our Radio station has a regular feature on music, lifestyles and stories from other cultures with guest speakers in regular attendance. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.