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Promoting British Values

What are ‘British Values’?

The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy and 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.
  • Mutual respect.
  • Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

 

At Coppice we recognise not only the importance of allowing children to flourish academically but we also embrace our wider role in preparing them for their adult life beyond the formal examinations within the curriculum.  Part of our role in preparation is ensuring that we promote and reinforce British Values to our pupils.

How do we promote British Values at Coppice?

Listed below are some examples of some of the ways in which we seek to embed British Values at Coppice:

Democracy

Democracy is a key element of school life. Students have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council and Student questionnaires. The democratic process was used for the Youth Parliament Elections to demonstrate how elections are run.  Across the curriculum, the principle of democracy is explored in History, PSHE, Integrated Studies and through current affairs sessions within tutor time.

The Rule of Law

The importance of the rule of law is communicated at every level at Coppice, whether they be teachers, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. Students are taught the value and reasons behind laws, why they are needed to both govern and protect us, the responsibilities that laws involve and the consequences given when laws are broken. Regular visits from outside agencies such a s the police are a regular feature on the school calendar and help to reinforce the message of the importance of the rule of law.

Individual Liberty

At Coppice, students are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment.  We promote the importance of individual liberty through PSHE Tutor Time activities that encourage discussion, providing pupils with safe boundaries within which to make informed choices e.g. the promotion of internet use alongside eSafety advice, Provide a range of extra-curricular activities and clubs, empower pupils to make informed choices about the course they will study at Key Stage 4 and beyond.

Mutual Respect

Our school ethos of ‘Foundations for Excellence’ and the behaviour policy revolve around Core Values such as ‘Respect’  Students have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown and it is discussed through the Integrated studies and PSHE programme throughout school.  The curriculum helps students to learn about a wide range of people, cultures and beliefs and so develops students’ ability to make informed decisions, be confident in their own identity and understand and respect those of others

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

The Integrated Studies and PSHE programme include a religious education focus which enhances students’ understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices, stereotypes and discrimination as well as prejudice-based bullying have been inlcuded as topics for discussion. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.  Coppice also operates a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying with a range of strategies to deal with any issues.