British Values
Wallscourt Farm Academy uses a Rights and Responsibilities approach to behaviour for learning. This is fully embedded, explicitly modelled, taught and implemented by all staff across the whole Academy with a clear system of celebrations and sanctions in line with our school policy. Our learners have a strong sense of their Rights and Responsibilities and can discuss their behaviour using the ‘language of choices.’
Our daily gathering schedule ensures that social, moral, spiritual and cultural learning is promoted alongside British Values and an understanding of Equality. We are an Academy that values uniqueness and respect and we celebrate our differences. Singing is a weekly whole school ritual which is strengthened by the large number of choir members from across the school. Our Gatherings are not an ‘add on’ or ‘extra’, the message given in gatherings is truly what the academy is about.
The Government guidance requires key ‘British Values’ are taught in all schools and academies. They define these in the 2011 Prevent Strategy as:
- Democracy
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Mutual respect
- Tolerance of those of different faiths and belief
As part of Cabot Learning Federation, Wallscourt Farm Academy has clear policies on Equality and Diversity and is committed to promoting community cohesion and fostering good relations between all of the staff, learners and their families who form part of our community – One Learning Community.
We understand the vital role that academies can play in ensuring that groups or individuals are not subjected to discrimination, bullying, harassment or intimidation and will actively promote our Federation wide policies and procedures to address these issues.
Our safeguarding policies and practices seek to prevent the radicalisation of our learners by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them. We will actively implement our duties under the Equality Act 2010 to prevent discrimination against any individual or group, on grounds of religion or belief, race or ethnicity, gender, sexuality, disability and the other protected characteristics named in the Act.
We are dedicated to preparing learners for their adult life through the formal curriculum, and also through the hidden curriculum, ensuring that it models, promotes and reinforces British Values to all its learners. We use strategies within the National Curriculum and beyond, to secure these outcomes.
The examples that follow so some of the many ways we seek to embed British Values.
Democracy
Our Rights and Responsibilities approach and a culture of respect pervades all aspects of our learning community. We have Pupil Leader Representatives from across the school and Pupil Councils have played an active role in shaping all aspects of Wallscourt Farm Academy. Each year, elections are held for these key roles.
The Rule of Law
Our whole school charters and charters for Learning Zones, lunchtimes and out of hours are all drawn up in collaboration with the learners. We have effect links with our neighbour Police Officers and they have spent time in school helping learners to make connections between their Rights and Responsibilities in school and within the wider community.
Individual Liberty
At Wallscourt Farm Academy learners are encouraged to have their own opinions and recognise the strength of their voices – individually and collectively. A strong focus on individualism is at the heart of our values.
Mutual Respect
As part of our Rights and Responsibilities work, and through our taught SMSC, PSHE and Collective Worship, learners are taught the skills and knowledge to gain and develop a sense of mutual respect. This includes learning about the protected characteristics of the Equality Act and a commitment to ensuring that ‘Everyone is Welcome Here’ at Wallscourt Farm Academy. Learners learn that there are many different types of families and all families should be respected.
Learners are taught that although their views may differ from one another, we must always show respect for others and expect other people to show us respect.
Tolerance of those of different faith and belief
Our learners, families and the wider community are supported to develop tolerance and a sense of respect and understanding of those of different faiths and beliefs. This takes place through our taught curriculum, including Religious Education, homezone and whole school gatherings (assemblies).
We take time recognise and understand celebrations and key events from a range of cultures and communities, and we include opportunities for visits and visitors from the wider community to support learners to develop their knowledge of community – locality, nationally and internationally.
