British Values

Developing British Values, Preventing Radicalisation and Preparing our Students for life in Modern Britain

This document aims to summarise how, as a school community, we are helping our students to develop “British values” and how we work to prevent radicalisation in a range of areas.

We meet the requirements set out in Section 78 of the Education Act 2002 and promote the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of all of our students.

Upholding and developing British Values

As a school we understand the importance of a connection with both the past and the very best of contemporary Britain. Our students are fortunate to be educated in a school which prides itself on its traditions and values yet has twenty first century facilities and resourcing.

We have determined “British Values” to be:

Democracy
The rule of law
Individual liberty
Mutual respect
Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

(Source: DfE Press Release 23.6.14 )

As a school we aim to develop and nurture these by:

Planning a vibrant, engaging Assembly [Collective Worship] programme with core ethical values and beliefs at its heart
A well-structured Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship education programme which addresses all of the requirement of the programmes of study (looking at Democracy, Freedom, the rule of law, Human Rights and responsibilities)
A strong Religious Education programme at each Key Stage. Our students are taught to understand that all citizens have the freedom to choose and hold faith and beliefs and that this right is protected in law.
A broad and balanced curriculum which addresses many of these core values across a range of subject areas
Having a clearly communicated and consistently applied Behaviour Policy so that students understand what is expected of them and the consequences of both meeting and failing to meet these expectations
A Code of Conduct which is regularly communicated and referred to with students, reiterating that we are a school community built on mutual respect and understanding
Adopting restorative approaches, where possible, to resolve any difficulties between members of our school community
Having a rigorous commitment to student safety (for example: trips and visits policy and procedures, Safeguarding procedures, Code of Conduct and Health and Safety procedures.)
Celebration of the diverse nature of our school community through menus, themed days/events, the Assembly programme, the teaching of World Music and the choice of texts/resources across the curriculum
Celebrating achievement beyond the classroom (in areas such as The Arts and Sport.)

In addition, please see bullet points below relating to how we aim to eliminate the possibility of Radicalisation as many of these actions/steps also assist us in affirming and reinforcing core “British Values” of tolerance, respect and the rule of law.

Citizens who feel respected, connected and valued within a community are far less likely to be at risk of radicalisation.

We have defined Radicalisation as, “a process by which an individual or group comes to adopt increasingly extreme political, social, or religious ideals and aspirations that (1) reject or undermine the status quo or (2) reject and/or undermine contemporary ideas and expressions of freedom of choice.”

We believe it is when someone feels marginalised or under-valued that there is a greater opportunity for such extremism to be fostered. We aim to prevent the radicalisation of our students/staff by:

Celebrating diversity through our curricular content (for example- see our SMSC curriculum audit)
Providing menu options to meet specific dietary requirements
Providing opportunities/facilities for personal prayer and reflection during the school day
Making provision for specific periods of religious observance (such as during the month of Ramadan)
Planning calendared events with consideration of significant periods of religious observance (such as Parents Evenings and Ramadan, for example)
Providing an enriching and diverse Assembly programme
Providing a Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship education programme which celebrates diversity, challenges stereotypes and addresses issues such as discrimination and prejudice in society as a whole
Have a school uniform which can be adapted appropriately to meet the requirements of religious dress codes
Authorising absence appropriately for religious observance
Ensuring that student rewards programmes offer rewards that are appropriate to those of all faiths and none
Making provision for students who are in periods of religious observance (such as Ramadan) during school visits/residential stays
Making provision for religious requirements linked to modesty and appropriate segregation by gender during school visits or residential opportunities
Educational visits which explore the diversity of modern British communities (e.g. Bradford visit: RE)
Deep Learning Days (“drop-down” days where students address all of these issues)
Providing “employer encounters” which offer all students the opportunity to explore career aspirations and raise expectations
Ensure students learn about how citizens can positively influence decision-making through the democratic process
Monitoring all job applications in our aim for diversity within our staffing
Educate students about the protected characteristics detailed within the Equality Act 2010
Respond rapidly, rigorously and appropriately to any reported incidents of a racist or discriminatory nature, adhering to Local Authority reporting protocols, as required
Including teaching materials from the PREVENT programme into our PSHCE programmes of study
Liaising closely with the Police’s NYCC PREVENT team where a young person’s behaviour or expressed beliefs give us cause for concern
Reinforcing the Teachers Standards (2012) through our Appraisal of teaching staff. Our teachers “uphold public trust in the profession and maintain high standards of ethics and behaviour, within and outside school.”

In summary, our aim is to develop well rounded, educated and reflective students who can confidently move forward beyond school and find their place in the world. We want our students to:

Develop lively, enquiring minds capable of original thought and well-balanced critical argument.
Become confident, independent learners well-equipped for lifelong learning.
Derive enjoyment from their learning which should extend their intellectual capacity, develop their interest and stimulate their curiosity.
Embrace the many opportunities afforded by developments in information and communication technologies, whilst fully accepting the responsibilities that go with using them properly.
Engage in a broad programme of experiences which enable them to appreciate their cultural inheritance and to understand more about themselves and the world in which they live.
Develop the capacities to make informed, rational and responsible decisions and to work in ways which enhance their self-respect and sensitivity to the needs of others, particularly those less advantaged than themselves.
Show respect for each other and all people working in the school, and to appreciate the diverse talents that contribute to our school community.
To play a full part in creating a caring, supportive school environment.
Develop a range of reasoned beliefs and values and a sympathy and respect for those held by others, which will prepare them to become considerate and responsible citizens.
Display self-discipline and proper regard for authority.
Foster good behaviour and to avoid all forms of bullying

How do we prepare our students for life in Modern Britain?

Upper Wharfedale School
Assembly programme: diverse faiths and belief systems	Careers element to PSHE in Years 7-11
Celebration of students’ “multiple identities” as 21^st century UK citizens and UWS students	PSHE programme in all years covers issues of personal safety, emotional health & wellbeing, financial education, relationships, radicalisation, FGM, forced marriage, grooming/exploitation and modern slavery
Student leadership programmes	Religious Education curriculum in Years 7-8 and GCSE RS in Years 9 & 10
Charity involvement and impact	E-technology and ICT curriculum
Community involvement and projects (such as with the elderly, local schools, local charities etc)	Students explore the Equality Act (2010): their rights & responsibilities in PSHE
Environmental groups and project	KS4 English curriculum: Migration, Trade Unions, Media and the Free Press, NGOs and humanitarian crises
Teaching students about UK law, role & responsibilities as a citizen and duties to others (e.g. through how we respond to any incidents of bullying/discriminatory behaviour)	UWS House system
Code of Conduct which reinforces positive citizenship and behaviour within the wider community	Educational trips & visits in the Uk and overseas (e.g. Auschwitz/Bradford)
Diversity of resources and texts used within the curriculum: celebrate diversity	Student leadership team trip to Parliament
Student voice consultations and questionnaires (participation)	Tutor time work on Refugee education
We work closely with a range of outside bodies such as the PREVENT team
Whole-school Careers Education, Information, Guidance strategy and implementation