British Values
The government set out their definition of British Values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy. These were reinforced in September 2014. The new regulations will sit alongside the requirements of the Equalities Act, which also applies to all schools/academies in the UK.
The Department of Education's five-part definition of British Values are:
Democracy, Rule of Law, Individual Liberty, Mutual Respect and Tolerance of those with Different Faiths and Beliefs.
At Belper Sixth Form students will encounter these principles throughout everyday Sixth Form life. The academic and pastoral curriculum is mapped in detail across the Sixth Form year teaching our students British Values. They all work together as a team, to learn the history of Britain and to see Britain in its true multicultural form which gives us a common identity. Students go on trips to enhance their knowledge of the world around them.
The Sixth Form experience helps develop our students' social skills and has also addressed many moral issues. Our assemblies and tutorials have also enhanced their cultural understanding of the UK and as part of our PSHE programme, students must learn how to be resilient and cope with different circumstances.
Our aim is to make each Belper student a well rounded and employable individual with the skills to adapt to different circumstances. We help each student make and build upon positive relationships with both staff and peers alike both in and outside of the classroom.
Some examples of how we promote British Values in the Belper Sixth Form community are below:
Democracy
DEMOCRACY - Each year the students vote for their tutor group student council reps and those with the largest number of votes are elected. Once elected the Team works with the Sixth Form and School Council and staff in making the school and Sixth Form a better place to learn. Students are encouraged to take an interest in giving their own opinions and making some decisions about the Sixth Form and beyond and we encourage them to take part in student questionnaires/surveys and 1:1 interviews throughout the year. We know that the active participation of our students will sow the seeds for a more sophisticated understanding of democracy in the future; this is also encouraged by our focus on ‘young people issues’ and British democracy in our assemblies in the hope that we can encourage more of our students to register to vote and have opinions on the subjects that matter to them.
Rule of Law
RULE OF LAW - Our students will encounter rules and laws throughout their entire lives. We want our students to understand that whether these laws govern the class, the Sixth Form, school, the local community or the country, they are set for good reasons and must be adhered to. This understanding of the importance of rules will be consistently reinforced through assemblies and our curriculum. Throughout the year we welcome visits from members of the wider community including police, campaigners, charity workers etc. We believe that clear explanations and contextualising learning emphasise the importance of the rule of law for our students.
Individual Liberty
INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY - We invest a great deal of time in creating a positive culture in our Sixth Form, so that students are in a safe environment where choice and freedom are encouraged. Through our assemblies, we educate students on their rights and personal freedoms as well as supporting them in recognising how to exercise these freedoms safely. In the school and Sixth Form we believe that valuing choice and freedom in daily Sixth Form life will foster values of individual liberty as the students embark upon their adult lives.
Mutual Respect
MUTUAL RESPECT - Mutual respect is at the core of our student life. Students learn to treat each other and staff with respect. This is evident when walking around the school and Sixth Form and in classes. We actively promote “respect” and this is seen throughout the various and many relationships between students and staff.
Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs
TOLERANCE OF THOSE WITH DIFFERENT FAITHS AND BELIEFS - Through both our curriculum and the routines of our daily Sixth Form life we strive to demonstrate tolerance, helping students to become knowledgeable and understanding British citizens who can build a better society for the future.