Promoting British Values
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 Government this year.
At Hailey Hall School these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy
Democracy is richly embedded within the school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our Pupil Council, pupil questionnaires, meeting with the Headteacher and through being a Head Boy. Our school behaviour and values policies involve rewards and sanctions; this is shared through all aspects of school life and also shared with parents, carers and pupils.
The Rule of Law
The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies and Life Skills activities. 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 and Fire Service are welcomed to help reinforce this message.
Individual Liberty
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 all pupils to make choices safely, through provision of a safe environment and an empowering approach through the education. Pupils are encourage Life Skills lessons. Pupils are further empowered through being part of the Pupils Council, and being able to take part in pupil forums which link directly to the senior leadership team or governors. Pupils are given the freedom to make a wide range of choices from attending extra-curricular clubs to supporting fund raising events.
Mutual Respect
As a school which holds values at the core of its ethos, our school values and behaviour policies have evolved around core values such as ‘respect’, and pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown. Respect is one of our values taught explicitly within lessons, assemblies and within the ethos of being a ‘Rights Respecting School’. It is shared with home through newsletters and website information. Adults throughout the school, model, demonstrate and promote respect for others.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
At Hailey Hall School School we are a culturally rich and diverse school where pupils have unique opportunities to learn from each other by sharing and celebrating their different faiths and cultures. Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed up and supported by learning in Life Skills. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.
Please click here to see the latest Prevent guidelines.
