British Values
Kirk Smeaton C of E School is committed to serving its community. It recognises the multi-cultural, multi faith are ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom. It also understands the vital role it has in ensuring that groups or individuals within the school are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.
It follows equal opportunities guidance which guarantees that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or similar. Kirk Smeaton C of E School is dedicated to preparing students for their adult life beyond the formal examined curriculum and ensuring that it promotes and reinforces British values to all its students.
The Government emphasises that schools are required to ensure that key ‘British Values’ are taught in all UK schools. The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy.
The five British Values are:
- Democracy
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Mutual respect and Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
The examples that follow show some of the many ways Kirk Smeaton C of E School seeks to embed British values.
Democracy
The principle of democracy is consistently being reinforced, with democracy processes being used for important decisions within the school community, for instance, elections being held for school and ethos councils. The principle of democracy is also explored in the History and Religious Studies curriculum as well as in form time and assemblies.
The rule of law
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced.
Students are taught the rules and expectations of the school which are highlighted by the student code of conduct and student expectations. Students are taught the value and the reasons behind laws that govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service reinforce this message.
Individual liberty
At Kirk Smeaton C of E School, students are actively encouraged to make independent choices, with the knowledge that they are in a safe, secure and supportive environment. Staff at Kirk Smeaton C of E School educate and provide boundaries for students to make informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education.
Students are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised on how to exercise these safely, for example through e-safety.
We has a robust anti-bullying culture and has in place a comprehensive Behaviour for Learning Policy.
Mutual Respect
Respect is a strong part of our School and is part of its Mission Statement & Values. Students learn that their behaviours has an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect and this is reiterated through its teaching and learning environments.
Mutual respect is embraced throughout the curriculum by providing the opportunity for students to express their views in a safe environment.
Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
This is achieved though equipping students with the ability to understand their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving the opportunities to experience such diversity within the school community. Students benefit from a number of international visitors, including students from other continents and cultures. Additionally, students are actively encouraged to share their faith and beliefs within the school and celebrate festivities throughout the calendar year. The Religious Studies curriculum provides a broad and balanced education on a range of faiths, religions and cultures.
Kirk Smeaton C of E School strives endlessly to ensure that its students leave with the strongest foundation of values upon which to build a successful life and a successful contribution to our Society.
Some of the amazing things we do at Kirk Smeaton C of E School
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Residential trips- developing team working and mutual respect for others.
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Gardening cl Eco council tidy up the school and grow flowers and vegetables to sell to the community. Eco council sell cereal bars and the money raised is used to make the school a better place for the community.
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We have mothers day, red nose days, fathers days activities to share and show appreciation of all those around us. We have concerts for all the classes to show case their drama skills to parents and community members.
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School council- we vote for who we want to see Thunks- we have philosophical questions each week Debates- we share debates each week. Emotional Literacy- we investigate feeling and provide strategies to self regulate. PHSCE- we are clear about the importance that this plays in friendships and invest time together as a school. We have weekly statements that are closely linked to weekly Christian value and bible stories, which allow the children to think and learn how to be better friends and citizens. We sent lots of old books and clothes to a range of places i.e. Africa, church, clothes banks. We send donations of food to the food banks. We took part in a community development scheme- all the children were given activities to help others ie. take out a neighbours bin etc. Boccia- we have wheelchair basketball, this gives the children insight into disabilities. We go to church regularly and celebrate different faiths. We celebrate black history month, anti bullying weeks and disability days. |
