British Values
The Department for Education (DfE) define the fundamental British values as follows:
- Democracy: A culture built upon freedom and equality, where every individual is aware of their rights and responsibilities. It involves respect for the democratic process and support for participation in it.
- The Rule of Law: The requirement for a system of rules to create a happy, safe, and secure environment for everyone to live and work in. It includes respect for the basis on which law is made and applied in England.
- Individual Liberty: The protection of your rights and the rights of others around you. It encompasses support and respect for the liberties of all individuals within the framework of the law.
- Mutual Respect and Tolerance: An understanding that we do not all share the same beliefs, faiths, and values, but that we respect those of others without imposing our own. This specifically includes respect and tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs, as well as those without faith.
British values are celebrated and taught through a number of different platforms at Chipping Sodbury School. These include our enriching assembly and tutor programme, student leadership meetings, visiting speakers, external trips, Trust-wide competitions and lessons, specifically our History, Religious Education and 'Life' curriculum.
Examples of activities that different year groups have participated in are:
- our whole-school election for the House Council and Senate
- discussions led by a charity 'Unique Voice' that explore the impact of misogyny on women
- tutor activities during Black History month
- talks from visiting MPs
- 'Blunt Truth' workshops led by the police and NHS about knife crime
- assemblies with a theme of 'Show Racism the Red Card'
- 'Life' lessons on human rights
In a rapidly changing world, it is crucial that our students understand what it means to be a member of a modern and diverse Britain and the expectation upon them to recognise, respect and help protect characteristics including race, faith, sexual orientation, gender identity, age and disability. We teach students the skills and knowledge to prepare them to be a socially moral and active citizen of society who promotes an environment that is free from discrimination, intolerance, prejudice and hate.
Students learn that not every member of our community will always share the same opinion, but they have a right to a voice and healthy debate can be a positive way to learn from different viewpoints if done in a respectful and responsible way. In 'Life' lessons students explore the criminal justice system and learn a greater awareness of the legal framework surrounding themes such as gambling, drugs and alcohol, relationships and online safety.
The British values are wholly aligned with our school values of respect, responsibility, integrity and aspiration that thread through everyday life at CSS.