British Values

The Department for Education (DfE) has reinforced the need “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation”

The Department for Education (DfE) has 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 Aston Manor Academy, these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy 

Council and regular pupil questionnaires. The elections of house captains and school council representatives are based solely on pupil votes.

The rule of law

The rule of law features in PSHE lessons in Year 7, 8, 9 and 10. 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. 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.

Individual liberty

Individual liberty features in PSHE lessons in Year 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11. 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 advise how to exercise these safely. For example, through our e-safety workshops and PSHE lessons. Whether it be through choice to challenge or participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.

Mutual respect

Mutual respect features in PSHE lessons in Year 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11. In addition, part of our school ethos and behaviour policy has revolved around core values such as ‘respect’, and pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies relating to what this means and how it is shown. Posters around the school promote respect for others and this is reiterated through displays of our expectations for learning in every classroom, as well as our behaviour policy.

Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs features in PSHE lessons in Year 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11.This is also achieved by 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. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.

Democracy is paramount within the school and features in PSHE lessons in Year 7, 9 and 10. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our school.