Preparing for Life in Modern Britain
Guidance produced by the Department of Education (November 2014) stated that all schools have a duty to ‘actively 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.
At Seven Hills we actively promote these British values through our spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) education which permeates throughout our curriculum and school experience, supporting the development of the whole child.
The following ‘British values’ have been identified by the Department of Education.
Rule of Law
We involve pupils in setting codes of behaviour; helping pupils to make decisions and choices that are acceptable to the school community and society at large.
Pupils are helped to learn to manage their behaviour and take responsibility for their actions. We can help some pupils to understand the connection between actions and consequences. This type of environment enables pupils to feel safe and secure; this in turn, promotes the optimum conditions for learning to take place.
Individual Liberty
Pupils are encouraged to become good and valued citizens. We do this by supporting each pupil to become as independent as possible. This can be roles within the classroom, or positions such as Peer Mediators, Student Support Workers and Play Leader Assistants. We support others by participating in charitable events such as, Red Nose Day/Comic Relief and Children in Need. We believe that engendering a caring and helpful environment and to be independent can boost and nurture a healthy self-esteem.
Mutual Respect
To promote each pupil’s inclusion in activities, settings and locations that are appropriate to them individually to meet their needs. Within school, pupils work with a range of people and interactions with others are always positively promoted on a personalised basis for each individual. This may include working with students from other schools, coaches, theatre groups, sports events, community events and shared participation with other schools/colleges etc.
We believe it is important to facilitate opportunities to be part of the community as the pupils, families and staff have much to offer in the development of community cohesion.
Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs
We are part of a school and local community where each person is respected and valued equally without regard to ability, gender, faith, heritage or race.
Cultural appreciation and development forms part of our curriculum. We place great emphasis on providing encounters and participation in events and celebrations to broaden all pupils’ experiences and awareness of others.
Assemblies help all pupils to find out about themselves and others linking their lives to the communities in which they belong. The themes cover areas such as: friendships, helping others and celebrations from a range of faiths and world events.
Pupils are encouraged to experience British culture through our curriculum themes and educational visits. For example, pupils have visited many local places and have studied British artists. As a school, we take part in many sporting activities which develop collaborative and respectful social skills.
Staff work closely with parents, careers and other professionals to ensure that the pupils at Seven Hills are happy, well cared for and enabled to learn the skills they need to live a fulfilling life as part of their community.