FUNDAMENTAL British Values at Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School
At Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School, we value the diversity of backgrounds of all students, families and wider the school community and ‘Through God, We Care’.
The Department for Education states that there is a 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 Department for Education defines fundamental British values as follows:
Our school reflects British values daily within the broader framework of Christian values. We encourage our children to be creative, open-minded and independent individuals, respectful of themselves and of others in our school, treating every person as an individual.
We take very seriously our responsibility to prepare children for life in modern Britain. We ensure that the fundamental British values are introduced, discussed and lived out through the ethos and work of the school. Curriculum areas provide a vehicle for furthering understanding of these concepts and provide excellent opportunities to deepen and develop understanding beyond the local community.
Democracy
We believe democracy is an integral part of school life. Students have the opportunity to have their voices heard through, fostering an environment where students can confidently and safely debate their ideas. Students have the opportunity to take an active role within the school, whether this is by playing a key role in the School Council, reinforcing the democratic process, or through the Ambassador system. Students thrive in the responsibility of playing a key role and play a vital role in the decision making of the daily running of our school.
Further examples include:
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days via our school behaviour policy. Students 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. Visits from authorities, such as the Police and Fire Service, are regular parts of our personal development curriculum and help reinforce this message.
Further examples include:
Individual Liberty
Students are actively encouraged to make independent choices knowing that they are in a safe, secure and supportive environment. We encourage them to see themselves as unique individuals able to make a unique contribution to their community, whilst providing boundaries for students to make choices safely. Students receive advice about how to exercise their rights, responsibilities and personal freedoms safely through E-Safety assemblies/sessions and form time activities; they also make personal decisions about their own future during one-to-one meetings with our Careers Advisor (Careers Connect) and when choosing their Key Stage 4 options. Vulnerable students are supported to make appropriate decisions and staff ensure that adults supporting them are doing so with the students’ best interests.
Further examples include:
Mutual Respect
Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy has revolved around values such as our ‘Respect’ initiative, with students being part of discussions and collective worship. The school promotes respect for others and this is reiterated through our school rules (READY, RESPECTFUL, SAFE) as well as our behaviour policy. We celebrate individuality and difference within our community. Our RE, PE and Citizenship curriculums teach students about fairness, justice and healthy relationships and encourage them to look out for those who might be marginalised or disadvantaged.
The school takes a very strong stance on social inclusion and anti-bullying and the values of respect and responsibility are reinforced where necessary.
Further examples include:
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
As a Church school, collective worship is fundamentally Christian in character, but recognises that those attending may have a wide range of faiths, or none. Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs is achieved through enhancing students’ understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Collective worship and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RS and PSHE. Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School has many students who have English as their additional language, all uniquely valued and respected. Our Religious Studies, Citizenship lessons, assembly opportunities and specific curriculum activities (including Educational Visits) encourage an understanding of and respect for people of all faiths, cultures and lifestyles.
Further examples include:
Our British Values poster is displayed in our classrooms: