British Values
The Department for Education states that there is a need to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.
At Gilbert Inglefield Academy, these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy
Democracy is embedded at the school. Children are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and with concern to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions heard. Children also have the opportunity to air their opinions and ideas through our School Council. The election of the School Council members is based on children's votes, reflecting our British electoral system and demonstrating democracy in action.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws, whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout our school day, through our school assemblies and also when dealing with behaviour in school. We encourage our children to distinguish right from wrong and help them to understand that living under the rule of law protects individuals. Our children are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken.
Individual Liberty
Within school, children are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for our children to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and an empowering education. We support children to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence. They are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely; examples of this can be clearly seen in our e-safety and PSHE and Religion & World Views lessons. We implement a strong anti-bullying culture.
Mutual Respect
At the heart of our whole school ethos is a commitment to mutual respect between our children and their peers, staff, their families and their wider community. Respect is promoted across school and deeply embedded in all that we do at the school. The children know and understand that it is expected and imperative that respect is shown to everyone, whatever differences we may have. Our school frequently participates in learning activities which promote mutual respect, including visits to local lower schools and to a local residential care home for the elderly. A wide range of extra-curricular clubs are offered at lunchtime and after the school day. Our school teams participate in a schedule of inter school sporting fixtures, which provide an opportunity to show mutual respect for our own team members and for opposing team members and staff.
Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs
Our core value of Respect ensures tolerance of those who have different faiths and beliefs. We enhance children's understanding of different faiths and beliefs through our Religion & World Views lessons.
