British Values
At Plymstock School we should accept that we have an individual responsibility to positively contribute to the school and wider community. We recognise that we live in a multi-cultural, multi-faith and ever-changing United Kingdom. We also understand the vital role we have 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 committed 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 instil British Values throughout the school community and beyond.
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 UK Youth parliament election campaign and Make Our Mark voting campaigns through our Personal Development programme.
• Student voice on key school decisions through processes including student voice surveys.
• Through the Living in the Wider World strand of Personal Development – 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.
• Through the Personal Development Big Question Tutor Programme.
• Visits by the Local MP.
• Through curriculum subjects such as History, Personal Development, RS, Geography, English and MFL.
• The Assembly and Tutor Programme.
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:
• Behaviour and Relationships Policy
• Accountability is stressed to all stakeholders including staff (Teacher’s Standards) and students (Behaviour and Relationships Policy).
• The legal system and court case role-play through our Personal Development programme.
• Drugs education.
• Close working relationships with the local Police as part of our pastoral care.
• Through the Personal Development Big Question Tutor Programme
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 and Relationships Policy for all students and staff, which allows the opportunity for individual choices in a safe and supportive environment.
• The Personal Development 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 Post-16 Senate and Student Voice.
• Through the Personal Development Big Question Tutor Programme and the Assembly Programme.
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 Personal Development provision – focusing on personal identity, anti-bullying, relationships (inc. consent), emotional health, gender and career stereotypes, sexism, racism, homophobia.
• A broad and balanced curriculum that keeps a wide range of life opportunities for our students.
• 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.
• Through the Personal Development Big Question Tutor Programme.
• LGBTQ+ Club-Show Your Colours
• Assembly and Tutor Programme.
Tolerance
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 in line with statutory guidance
• The Personal Development programme focuses on cultural identity, equality & discrimination, human rights.
• The extensive extra-curricular programme, including some faith-led groups such as the Christian Union
• The Year 7 Community Cohesion Week that introduces students to the wide variety of different ethic backgrounds and cultures in the UK.
• Through the Personal Development Big Question Tutor Programme.
• LGBTQ+ Club.
• Refugee Speakers and Alan Butler (Plymouth Pride) in Community Cohesion Week.
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