Our Core Values

Promoting British Values at Belmont Castle Academy

Co-ordinator: Principal / Vice-Principal

Governor Responsible: Steve Smith

The DfE have recently reinforced the 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.”

The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values have been reiterated by the Prime Minister this year. At BCA these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

The Department for Education defines British Values as follows:

  • Democracy
  • The Rule of Law
  • Individual Liberty
  • Mutual Respect
  • Tolerance of those with Different Faiths and Beliefs

Democracy:

Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our Parliament Group (School Council). The Groups meets regularly and uses these as an opportunity to discuss a wide range of themes. The children then feed back to the rest of the children in the school when they get back to class.  Elections of House Captains are based on pupil votes.

The Rule of Law:

The importance of Laws whether they be those that govern the class, the school (which we refer to as Golden Rules at BCA) or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout the school day, as well as when dealing with behaviour through school assemblies. Pupils 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. Visits from authorities such as the Police (Chair of Governors) and Fire Service are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message.

Individual Liberty:

Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make good choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make choices safely, through of provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it be through choice of challenge, of how they record, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.

Mutual Respect:

Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy has revolved around Core Values: Wisdom, Justice, Courage, Compassion, Integrity, Respect,   Responsibility and Hope. Pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what these means and how it is shown. Our ethos promotes respect for others and this is reiterated through our Golden Rules, individual classroom rules, as well as our behaviour for learning policy.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:

This is achieved through enhancing pupils understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE.

At BCA we believe that it is really important to educate the children from a very early age about what it means to live in a democratic society, where the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance are not only encouraged but celebrated. By promoting these values within our own school community are aim is to create well-rounded citizens of the future, who can play an active part in the wider community as they grow into adulthood.

Prevent Duty

At Belmont Castle Academy we are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our pupils. As a school we recognise that safeguarding against radicalisation is no different from safeguarding against any other vulnerability.

All staff are expected to uphold and promote the fundamental principles of British values, including;

  • Democracy
  • The Rule of Law,
  • Individual Liberty
  • Mutual Respect
  • and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

On 1 July 2015 the Prevent duty (section 26) of The Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 came into force. This duty places the responsibility on local authorities to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism.

As part of BCA’s commitment to safeguarding and child protection we fully support the government's Prevent Strategy.

We use the following accepted Governmental definition of extremism which is:

‘Vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs; and/or calls for the death of members of our armed forces, whether in this country or overseas’.

The full Government Prevent Strategy can be viewed at;

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/97976/prevent- strategy-review.pdf

There is no place for extremist views of any kind in our school, whether from internal sources –pupils, staff or governors, or external sources - school community, external agencies or individuals. Our pupils see our school as a safe place where they can explore controversial issues safely and where our teachers encourage and facilitate this – we have a duty to ensure this happens.

As a school we recognise that extremism and exposure to extremist materials and influences can lead to poor outcomes for children and so should be addressed as a safeguarding concern as set out in this policy. We also recognise that if we fail to challenge extremist views, we are failing to protect our pupils.

Any prejudice, discrimination or extremist views, including derogatory language, displayed by pupils or staff will always be challenged and where appropriate dealt with in line with our Behaviour and Discipline Policy for pupils and the Code of Conduct for staff.

Where misconduct by a teacher is proven the matter will be referred to the National College for Teaching and Leadership for their consideration as to whether to a Prohibition Order is warranted.

As part of wider safeguarding responsibilities school staff will be alert to:

  • Disclosures by pupils of their exposure to the extremist actions, views or materials of others outside of school, such as in their homes or community groups, especially where pupils have not actively sought these out.
  • Graffiti symbols, writing or art work promoting extremist messages or images. Pupils accessing extremist material online, including through social networking sites
  • Parental reports of changes in behaviour, friendship or actions and requests for assistance
  • Partner schools, local authority services, and police reports of issues affecting pupils in other schools or settings
  • Pupils voicing opinions drawn from extremist ideologies and narratives Use of extremist or ‘hate’ terms to exclude others or incite violence
  • Intolerance of difference, whether secular or religious or, in line with our equalities policy, views based on, but not exclusive to, gender, disability, homophobia, race, colour or culture
  • Attempts to impose extremist views or practices on others Anti-Western or Anti-British views

Our school will closely follow any locally agreed procedure as set out by the Local Authority and/or our Safeguarding Children Board’s agreed processes and criteria for safeguarding individuals vulnerable to extremism and radicalisation.

Whistle Blowing

Where there are concerns of extremism or radicalisation Pupils and Staff will be encouraged to make use of our internal systems to Whistle Blow or raise any issue in confidence.

Please refer to School Whistle Blowing Policy which is displayed in the Staffroom.

Useful Resources

Promoting Tolerance

We have included a number of resources, including some useful websites to help support further discussions at home.

Useful videos for children which promote tolerance –

More suited to very young children up to year 3, although the older children did still enjoy the Mr Stanley one

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QS-rJcm7jyQ&feature=youtu.be

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8xEXHrAwEo&feature=youtu.be

Better for older children

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFkRbUKy19g&feature=youtu.be

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QSLlEt_LJY&feature=youtu.be

http://youtu.be/YZ5sMG6jxeQ

Downloads

Page Downloads Date  
School Aims and Core Values 07th Aug 2019 Download