British Values
The Department for Education requires schools “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.”
Glebe Farm School is dedicated to fostering core British values via a variety of educational activities, as well as the articulation and demonstration of these principles. Our social, moral, spiritual, and cultural (SMSC) education pervades the school’s assemblies, curriculum, ethos, student voice, teaching and learning, and dedication to inclusiveness.
Glebe Farm School’s approach to fostering essential British values ensures that no one is discriminated against because of their faith, race, gender, sexuality, political or socioeconomic position, or other factors.
All staff and learners at Glebe Farm School are expected to behave with integrity, in their dealings with one another. We provide opportunities for all learners not only to explore their own cultures but also to understand how these align with British Values and how we can work together as a community for the greater good. Every member of the community has a part to play in enshrining the core values and beliefs so as to build a strong, united and democratic school. Where unfairness or bullying is found to exist it will be routed out, and democracy and the rights of individuals will take centre stage. Examples of opportunities and activities to promote British Values at Glebe Farm School include:
- British Values are promoted to learners via the Enrichment programme and extra-curricular activities. For example, there are visits to buildings and locations such as local places of worship, the Houses of Parliament and Heritage sites. Learners are given plenty of additional information about the places and what it represents in terms of British culture, historical and social significance.
- Speakers include local MPs, journalists, lawyers, human rights workers, war veterans and former prison offenders: all of whom provide alternative views on British Values and encourage learners to take an open and interested approach to the world around them.
- In lessons all learners are encouraged to debate and discuss ideas, sharing and defending their beliefs in a way that is collaborative and supportive.
- Teachers model positive behaviour and democratic values in their interactions with colleagues and learners.
- Assemblies are frequently used as vehicles through which tutor groups/ classes present to the wider community, examples of key moment, people or ideas from British history.
- Lessons are exploited when appropriate to provide forums in which learners can learn more about and question the notions of liberty, justice, democracy, law, governance, faith and belief systems.
- As a multicultural school, with a strong sense of belonging at its core, we take care to ensure that all learners feel safe, secure and able to celebrate their own and each other’s’ backgrounds, beliefs and cultural practices.
Students are given the opportunity to celebrate their own cultures, faiths, and identities with others in an inclusive school environment; in lessons, beyond the classroom, and assemblies and community events.