Promoting British values
Patcham High School is committed to serving 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.
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. Patcham High 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
- Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
The School uses strategies within the National curriculum, our own life Skills programme and beyond to secure such outcomes for students. The examples that follow show some of the many ways Patcham High School seeks to embed British values.
Patcham High School is embracing the UNICEF ‘Rights Respecting School’ agenda and had highlighted 7 key values from the articles – The Patcham Seven and underpins the five British Values.
Guidance on promoting British values in schools – gov.uk
Democracy
The principle of democracy is consistently being reinforced at Patcham High School, with democracy processes being used for important decisions within the school community, for instance, elections being held for Head Boy and Girl and the transparent application process for lead student positions and support pupils. The principle of democracy is also explored in the History and Life skills curriculum as well as in tutor 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 at Patcham High School.
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 Patcham High School, students are actively encouraged to make independent choices, with the knowledge that they are in a safe, secure and supportive environment. Staff at Patcham High 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 and tutor time work.
Patcham High has a robust anti-bullying culture and has in place a comprehensive Behaviour for Learning Policy.
Mutual Respect
Respect is a strong part of Patcham High School. 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 with Patcham High’s ethos being ‘allow one voice – so that the thoughts and answers of all are respected’.
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. Additionally, students are actively encouraged to share their faith and beliefs within the school and celebrate festivities throughout the calendar year. The Life Skills curriculum covers religious education, which is compulsory for all students up to the end of KS4, provides a broad and balanced education on a range of faiths, religions and cultures.
Patcham High 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.
P1 |
Lead by example |
Champion the values of our community |
Have pride in our school.Understand yours and others’ role in our community.Respect the community. |
P2 |
Have a voice |
Speak up whilst respecting the opinions of others |
Contribute in class.Listen to others’ opinions.Have your say in matters affecting our community. |
P3 |
Never give up |
Commit to success by finding solutions |
Commitment to hard work.Challenging yourself.Look for solutions. |
P4 |
Take part |
Take part yourself and encourage others to do so |
Be actively involved in our community.Take safe risks.Try something new.Celebrate participation. |
P5 |
Respect our space |
Respect our environment and take responsibility for it |
Take responsibility for our environment.Increase re-cycling.Litter free school. |
P6 |
Care for each other |
Look after each other’s safety and wellbeing |
Respect different views and beliefs to your own.Communicate appropriately to everyone.Celebrate everyone’s success. |
P7 |
Expect the best |
Be the best in everything you do |
Take pride in all your work.Always try and improve your work.Help others to succeed.Develop a mind-set of, ‘I can’. |