Madeley School has British Values at the heart of its ethos and curriculum.
We are dedicated to make sure that our students leave the school as independent and responsible citizens. We reinforce British Values with our own school values of:-
- Pride and respect
- Confidence
- Resilience
- Aspiration
- Positivity
- Enjoyment
- Politeness
We recognise the multi-cultural, multi faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom. We 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. As a school we are dedicated to embedding spiritual, moral, social and cultural values (SMSC) in our students in preparation for their adult life. We ensure that we promote and reinforce British values to all our 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
How do we promote British Values at Madeley?
We use the Government guidance on promoting British Values in schools to reinforce British Values in our school https://www.gov.uk/government/news/guidance-on-promoting-british-values-in-schools-published
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.
The principle of democracy is consistently being reinforced at Madeley, with democracy processes being used for important decisions within the school community, for instance, elections being held for Head Boy and Girl and Prefects positions, Form, House, Sport Captains and Student Madeley Members of Parliament. The principle of democracy is also explored in the Personal Development programme, History and Religious Studies curriculum as well as in form time and assemblies. The school council (Madeley Parliament) is made up of democratically elected students, who meet each half term and inform decision making around the school. Students, parent and staff surveys are carried out annually to gather opinions about all aspects of the school and results influence the school improvement plan.
The Rule of Law
All people and institutions are subject to and accountable to law that is fairly applied and enforced.
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at Madeley School. Students are taught the rules and expectations of the school which are highlighted in the school behaviour policy. 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. We work in partnership with our police liaison officer, to give advice on personal safety but also to reinforce messages that some activities are illegal and what the consequences might be. We place an emphasis on sports and promoting the rules and laws of team games.
Individual Liberty
Individual liberty means the free exercise of rights generally seen as outside Government control.
At Madeley School, students are actively encouraged to make independent choices, with the knowledge that they are in a safe, secure and supportive environment. Students are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised on how to exercise these safely throughout the Personal Development programme, Religious Studies and throughout other curriculum subject lessons. Madeley has a robust anti-bullying culture and has in place a comprehensive Behaviour for Learning Policy. We are a Stonewall Champion School. We ensure that any prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour is challenged and recorded, with students made aware of the seriousness of such incidents.
Mutual Respect
The proper regard for an individual’s dignity, which is reciprocated.
Respect for others is a fundamental part of our school ethos and values. Students learn that their behaviours has an effect on their own rights and those of others. Our school ethos and behaviour policy revolves around the Core Value of ‘Respect’. Students have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown. Posters around the school promote respect for others and this is reiterated through our classroom and learning rules, as well as our behaviour policy. Students learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. Staff and students treat each other with respect. We use THINK before you speak to reinforce this key value:
- Is it true?
- Is it helpful?
- Is it inspiring?
- Is it necessary?
- Is it kind?
Mutual respect is embraced throughout the curriculum by providing the opportunity for students to express their views in a safe environment.
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.
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. The Religious Studies curriculum, 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. Through our SMSC education we help students to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence; distinguish right from wrong and to respect English law; encourage students to accept responsibility for their behaviour, show initiative and contribute positively to society; enable students to acquire a broad general knowledge of, and respect for, English public institutions and services and to appreciate and respect their own and other cultures. We are determined to ensure that our students leave with the strongest foundation of values upon which to build a successful life and contribution to our Society.