The DfE have recently reinforced 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.”
The Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, these values have been reiterated in November 2014 in the DFE document “Promoting fundamental British values as part of SMSC in schools”. At Landau Forte Academy Amington, these values are reinforced through our Personal Tutorial System as well as through the curriculum. Citizenship is delivered throughout key stages 3 and 4 during PSHE, RE and Philosophy and Ethics learning sessions.
Democracy
Students have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. Here at the Academy we have a Student Leadership Team with representatives across all year groups which meet regularly. Each year these representatives are elected onto the team and through a democratic voting process a Head boy and Head Girl is elected. A member of the Senior leadership team carries the voice of the students for discussion around the Academy leadership table.
Democracy within the PSHE, RE and Philosophy and Ethics curriculum
During the curriculum learning sessions, students participate in a range of activities covering a broad range of topics some examples of which include:- The process of voting and elections, The role of Political Parties, Political parties in the UK, Democracy versus dictatorship, Benefits of being a UK Citizen, The British Monarchy, Acceptance of others beliefs and faiths and Combating discrimination.
The Rule of Law
The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern our day to day activities, the Academy, or the country, are consistently reinforced through topical issued raised in Personal Tutor Time as well as when dealing with behaviour issues one to one with students and through Academy gatherings. Students are taught the value and reasons behind laws, how they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police help reinforce this message and we have developed a good working relationship with our PCSOs and our students regularly see them visiting the Academy.
The Rule of Law within the PSHE curriculum
During the curriculum learning sessions, students participate in a range of activities covering a broad range of topics some examples of which include:- Law and justice, Animal rights and the law, The role of the police, Legal systems in the UK, Law and Society, Human Rights, Crime and the Individual, Crime and the law, Gun and knife crime and Drug crime and the law.
Individual Liberty
Within the Academy, students are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As an Academy we educate and provide boundaries for students to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and empowering educational environment. Students are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE sessions. Whether it be through choice of learning challenge, of how they record, of participation in our numerous enrichment activities, students are given the freedom to make choices. For example Year 9 students are actively involved in making choices regarding subjects studied in key stage 4.
We have a robust Anti Bullying policy and comprehensive Behaviour for Learning policy which we regularly review and make improvements to maintain a purposeful and respectful learning environment.
Individual liberty in the PSHE curriculum
During the curriculum learning sessions, students participate in a range of activities covering a broad range of topics some examples of which include:- Know your own human rights, Keeping safe and consequences, Online encounters, Staying safe online, and Where do I go to find help?
Mutual Respect
Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Students learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the Academy community treat each other with respect and this is reinforced through the Personal Tutor Pastoral system. Collective acts of remembrance happen every year as part of Remembrance Day, charity days and national awareness campaigns such as Anti-Bullying, holocaust memorial days are part of our culture. All of these key events are marked within the Academy community and embody links made with other organisations and national and local awareness platforms.
Mutual Respect in the PSHE curriculum
During the curriculum learning sessions, students participate in a range of activities covering a broad range of topics some examples of which include:- Respecting equality and diversity, Working together to improve communities, and Collaborative charity projects.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Landau Forte Academy Amington is situated in an area who’s demographic is not particularly culturally diverse; therefore we place a great emphasis on raising students’ awareness of cultural diversity across British society. Gatherings are regularly planned to address issues and within RE and Philosophy and ethics sessions there is inclusion of stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures and theses are explored with students. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within these sessions. Landau Forte Academy Amington is committed to providing students the opportunities to collaborate with each other, which encourages tolerance and respect between our students across all subject areas.
We will actively challenge students, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to British values, including ‘extremist’ views. In instances where ‘extremist’ views are encountered, the Academy will refer to the Local Authority’s Prevent Strategy and will act as necessary.
Closing statement
Landau Forte Academy Amington is committed to preparing students that are well-qualified, capable, adaptable, confident, independent and autonomous learners, self-reliant but able to work productively and positively with others. They should also be marketable and employable, entrepreneurial, responsible, respected and tolerant citizens with an understanding of the diverse society in which they live and able to make a positive contribution to society.