British Values

Plymstock 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. Plymstock 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.

We use strategies within the national curriculum and beyond to secure such outcomes for students. The examples that follow show some of the many ways that Plymstock School seeks to instill British Values.

Democracy

Democracy can be seen as a state of society characterised by equality of rights and privileges. It can also refer to our nation’s electoral systems.

In our school we promote the importance of democracy through such things as:

• The mock election experience through our Life Education programme.
• Students being encouraged to consider and choose differentiated learning opportunities in lessons.
• Students elect peers to represent them at House Forums and the School Council.
• Student voice on key school decisions through processes including School Council meetings and student voice surveys.
• Through the Democracy and Diversity strand of Life Education and Citizenship – focusing on MPs, voting systems, contemporary political issues, world leaders etc…
• Strong adherence to our Equal Opportunities Policy and objectives in line with the Equality Act 2010.

The rule of law

All people and institutions are subject to and accountable to law that is fairly applied and enforced.

At Plymstock School we promote the importance of the rule of law through such things as:

• The school Behaviour Policy.
• Feedback policy and homework expectations to set clear boundaries, which are explained clearly to students and staff.
• Accountability is stressed to all stakeholders including staff (Teacher’s Standards and Appraisal) and students (Behaviour Policy and B-system).
• The legal system and court case role-play through our Life Education and Citizenship programme.
• Drugs education.
• Input from Plymouth University / guest speakers on on-line safety.
• Close working relationships with the local Police as part of our pastoral care.

Individual liberty

Individual liberty suggests the free exercise of rights generally seen as outside Government control.

In our school we promote the importance of individual liberty through such things as:

• A robust and clear Anti-bullying culture and Behaviour Policy for all students and staff, which allows the opportunity for individual choices in a safe and supportive environment.
• Sixth Form students are allowed to leave the site at certain times, with some groups taught off-site, particularly through the PLT.
• The Life Education and Citizenship programme focuses on areas such as managing risks, financial wellbeing and careers.
• The wealth of extra-curricular activities and clubs available to all students.
• Students are actively encouraged to express views and opinions in lessons in a formative manner.
• Students offered choice for their future academic pathways as they move through the key stages.
• Opportunities for freedom of speech and expression through mediums such as the Student Leadership Team, Year Forums and student-led assemblies.

Mutual respect

The proper regard for an individual’s dignity, which is reciprocated.

At Plymstock School we promote the importance of mutual respect through such things as:

• Strong Life Education provision (Relationships and Well-being) – focusing on personal identity, anti-bullying, relationships (inc. consent), emotional health, gender and career stereotypes, sexism, racism, homophobia, GRT etc…
• A broad and balanced curriculum that keeps a wide range of life opportunities for our students.
• Participation in the ‘Women into Technology’ event.
• The assembly and tutorial programme, focusing on topical issues such as the conflict in Syria.
• Clear expectations of good behaviour in all facets of school life.
• A culture that promotes the core values that students take responsibility for their actions and recognise the implications of negative behaviour on others.

Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

A fair, objective, and permissive attitude to those whose faith and beliefs may differ from one’s own.

In our school we promote the importance of tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs through such things as:

• Religious Studies taught to all students across all key stages using Plymouth’s agreed syllabus and our own schemes.
• The Life Education and Citizenship programme focuses on cultural identity, equality & discrimination, human rights.
• External faith speakers invited into assemblies.
• External visit from a holocaust survivor. This is also supported through both the Religious Studies and History curriculum.
• Engagement in the Face to Faith programme, exposing our students to different beliefs/religions around the UK and wider world.
• The extensive extra-curricular programme, including some faith-led groups.
• The Year 7 Community Cohesion Week that introduces students to the wide variety of different ethic backgrounds and cultures in the UK.

Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Education (SMSC)

The spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of our students and, within this, the promotion of fundamental British values, are at the heart of what we do at Plymstock School.  Within our curriculum we plan for many opportunities to help our students develop into well-rounded citizens, ready to play an active part in 21st Century Britain.

A summary of how we do this can be viewed HERE