Our vision and values
Our core values permeate all that we do. In our achievement-orientated culture, teaching and learning is our highest priority. We want our students to be healthy and have a great life. We are deeply committed to opening the hearts and minds of our future-focused young people.
John Madejski Academy – our core values
Work hard, be kind.
John Madejski Academy is committed to serving its community. Our community is an ever-changing, multi-cultural, multi-faith community, and at the centre of this is the acceptance of the key British values promoted at JMA. We believe that by promoting these core values, our learners will be able to grow as individuals and British citizens in our community and areas in which they live, work, and socialise.
John Madejski Academy promotes British values through the curriculum, but also through our core values and ethos as well as opportunities beyond the classroom in formal lessons. Our core values of hard work, determination, empathy, integrity, and positivity permeate all that we do. In our achievement-orientated culture, teaching and learning is our highest priority. We want our students to be healthy and have a great life, and we are deeply committed to opening the hearts and minds of our future-focused young people. These values support and drive the development of British values:
The government set out its definition of “British values” in its 'Prevent Strategy'; values of:
- The rule of law.
- Individual liberty.
- Mutual respect.
- Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs.
Democracy is taught within curriculum subjects such as history and citizenship. For example, students learn about the British electoral system and the idea of representation in the citizenship curriculum. In history, students learn how Britain remained a democracy after the First World War while many countries in Europe became dictatorships. The value of democracy is also encouraged in every lesson as students are encouraged to voice their opinion and ideas.
The rule of law is taught in many subjects. An example of this is where students are asked to consider the value of laws in citizenship lessons and decide for themselves whether we need laws. In KS5, ICT students will learn about the laws relating to data protection. All JMA students study BTEC sport, where they learn about the laws and rules involved in sport as well as the laws involved in the health and safety of putting on sporting activities.
Individual liberty and what it means is a value covered in citizenship, where students learn about human rights. In history, students learn about those fighting for the liberty of people subject to discrimination and oppression. Students also learn about individual liberty and discrimination through PSHE weeks and the assembly programme.
In every lesson and throughout the academy, mutual respect is emphasised. In religious education, students are encouraged to respect the views of those from particular faith backgrounds and those without one. In lessons, students are given the chance to peer mark and improve each other’s work, meaning that students are encouraged to appreciate each other’s efforts and skills.
Tolerance of those of different beliefs and faiths is not only a feature of RE but of other subject areas too. For example, in catering lessons, students learn about different cultures through studying themes such as cooking food for different faiths. A further example is that the academy ensures that, through the celebration of Black History Month each October, students learn about the achievements of different people from black and ethnic minorities.
In addition to the curriculum which students follow, there are many other opportunities and activities students participate in which underpin the promotion of British values. Student Voice activities give students a role in contributing to the life of the school as a learning community. There are many opportunities for students, including sports leaders, community work with the performing arts group, charity fundraising events, student-led assemblies, and the enrichment programme. Through the many sporting activities and clubs, such as those in performing arts, students have the opportunity to learn and reflect British values.