British Values
St George’s is committed to serving its local national and international community. We recognise the multi-cultural, multi-faith and ever-changing landscape of the United Kingdom. We also understand the vital role we have ensuring groups or individuals within any environment are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.
Our academy fosters a strong sense of belonging both to the school community and as a citizen of Britain with the responsibilities that citizenship brings. We recognise the statutory requirement to promote British Values as a part of the curriculum whilst appreciating the backgrounds of all pupils and their families.
The academy has an Equality Policy, which follows equal opportunities guidance and guarantees there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or similar. It seeks to serve all so that everyone feels a sense of belonging.
In response to the Department for Education’s guidance on promoting British values in schools, we seek to ensure young people leave school prepared for life in modern Britain as members of society who treat others with respect and tolerance, regardless of background.
The ‘Prevent’ strategy sets out these values. All schools have a duty to ‘actively promote’ the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs together with a clear strategy for embedding these values.
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Democracy: Democracy is a vital part of the academy’s day to day operations with pupils being able to voice their views and concerns through the school council. Pupils can elect their representatives and have first-hand experience of democracy. The academy also participates in the Trust wide initiative of promoting training for school councils which has had its core the importance of democracy. Pupils are kept appraised of any significant operational changes at the academy and encouraged to express their views and participate in any discussion.
The Rule of Law: The importance of the law is regularly reinforced with pupils throughout the school day. Primarily, this centres on behaviour which is regularly covered with pupils through Aquinas Church of England Education Trust “Life Transforming Learning” 3 assemblies, worship and Personal Social and Health Education (PSHE). Pupils are taught the reasons for the laws that protect and govern us together with the consequences of breaking laws and the need for restorative justice. External agencies, such as the police, are invited to support the work of the academy in promoting the rule of law.
Individual Liberty: All pupils are actively encouraged to make choices at school knowing they are in a safe and supportive environment. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand, and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and make suitable choices. Teachers advise pupils how to do this in a safe way through the promotion of online safety, citizenship and PSHE. Pupils regularly make choices in terms of extra-curricular activities.
Mutual Respect: The academy’s ethos and values focus on the need for mutual respect and kindness towards all. The academy’s behaviour policy supports this, and it is reinforced on a regular basis in assemblies and the daily life of the academy.
Tolerance of those of Different Faith and Beliefs: The academy has a diverse pupil and staff body. It promotes not only tolerance but acceptance of people of different faiths and beliefs. This is achieved through enhancing pupils’ understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience diversity. Assemblies explore other beliefs and prejudices as well as tackling prejudice-based bullying. A wide range of faiths and beliefs are explored through the religious education curriculum. The academy celebrates the language and cultures represented within the diverse pupil body. Members of various faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning.
St George's Church of England Primary School