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British Values

Why does St Ivo Academy have a British values statement?

The DfE has stated the 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.”

St Ivo is committed to serving and celebrating all of its community. It recognises the multi-cultural, multi-faith and 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. St Ivo follows equal opportunities guidance which guarantees that there will be no acceptance of discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or similar.

The government has stated that the five key British Values are:

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

At St Ivo Academy these values are part of our school life, as outlined below.

Democracy

A system of government that involves people in decision making e.g. voting to elect representatives to Parliament.

  • Student voice: elected representatives to year councils and the sixth form committee for debates and decisions; consultation during senior staff appointments and school meal contracts; regular senior staff meetings with students.
  • Mock General elections: local constituency candidates visit and make speeches to sixth formers, who then hold a mock election.
  • Curriculum: British values are mapped across subjects; Sixth Form Politics A level.
  • Surveys: students & staff are consulted on issues e.g. behaviour, study facilities.
  • Local democratic figures: links, visits & talks: e.g. MPs, councillors, mayors.

Rule of Law

Restricting arbitrary power with clear laws, applying equally to all.

  • Laws: the importance of laws for governing Britain is noted in personal development, assemblies, & calendared visits from authorities e.g. police community officer, fire service, road safety.
  • Behaviour: students respect the value and reasons behind our highly visible policy, values and ethos.
  • Safeguarding and whistle blowing: St Ivo is relentless on safeguarding and encourages ‘whistle blowing’ from staff and students when it is felt that rules are not being upheld.

Individual Liberty

The ability of individuals to freely exercise rights, with responsibility.

  • The right to access equal learning opportunities and make rapid progress is stressed by the school’s focus raising attainment.
  • Choices: students are encouraged to make informed choices in a safe and supportive environment e.g. subject options.
  • The right not to tolerate bullying at school.
  • Empowerment: encourage students to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms in a responsible way e.g. through assemblies, e-safety, personal development lessons.
  • Encourage inclusive participation in extra-curricular opportunities to empower self-knowledge, self-esteem and confidence.
  • Charity fundraising activities: e.g. non-uniform days; others appeals.
  • Educational visits: World War I battlefields; Remembrance 11am ceremony at St Ivo to mark WWI Armistice Day. Each item helps reflection about the range of British values.

Mutual Respect

  • Our non-selective 11-18 comprehensive: pursues equal learning access, respect and an inclusive ethos for all learners.
  • Learning ethos: St Ivo stresses mutual respect for all learners through the values scholarship, curiosity and tenacity.
  • Behaviour policy: promotes mutual respect.
  • Challenging students, staff and parents who express opinions contrary to fundamental British values. Incidents of prejudice are recorded, actively followed up and monitored through our logging system.
  • Personal development programme: includes Relationships and Sex Education (RSE), including rights and responsibilities, the notion of consent, trust and respect; enrichment events.
  • Respect for our learning and living environments.
  • Effort, progress and attendance: are respected and rewarded e.g. house point system; celebration assemblies.
  • Encouraging & respecting views from all stakeholders: students; staff; parents/carers; governors.

Tolerance of those with different faiths & beliefs

  • Encouraged by enabling students to appreciate and respect their own and other cultures. This is achieved through enhancing student understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving students opportunities to experience such diversity.
  • Educational visits: including overseas.
  • Assemblies and subjects: e.g. RE, history, geography, English, personal development, provide opportunities for discussions and debate that consider prejudices, cultural identity and diversity. Such activities help students to prepare for life as a citizen in a diverse but cohesive modern Britain.
  • Focus weeks: e.g. anti-homophobia; empathy
  • Equal opportunities policy