Promoting fundamental British values at Manor Green College
The DfE have recently reinforced the need “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 Prevent Strategy 2011, and these values have been reiterated by the Prime Minister.
At Manor Green College these values are reinforced regularly in the following ways:
Democracy:
Students at the College are exposed, on a regular basis, to both the concept of, and practical examples of the Democratic process. In class groups, Students have the opportunity to have their voices heard within daily circle time. At the beginning of each year, every class elects one student to represent them on the School Council, which then meets once every half term. The minutes of these meetings are reviewed by the Headteacher and where possible action is taken to address the issues raised.
In addition, our School Council attends an annual Question Time event with other mainstream school students, at the Borough Council Offices where they have the opportunity to put questions to local councillors.
Within each class, the College promotes the ideal of students being able to vote on aspects of class and College life that are important and meaningful to them. Each student has one vote, which they are encouraged to use even if the subject is not relevant to them as an individual.
For example at the beginning of each year, students will discuss class behaviour expectations for in lessons and during break times. Students will discuss and put forward their own views and preferences and the Class Tutor will lead the process of agreeing consensus.
The College has also appointed a member of the teaching staff with responsibilities for Student Voice and UNICEF Children’s rights.
The Rule of Law:
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are constantly developed and reinforced throughout school days, as well as dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. Students are taught the value and reasons behind laws/rules, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities this involves and the consequences when laws/rules are broken.
The College behaviour policy promotes strongly the concept of taking responsibility for ones own actions within the context of a community with shared values and expectations.
Individual Liberty:
Within school, students are actively encouraged, and educated, to make choices, knowing they are in a safe and supportive community. Students are able to contribute to their own timetables by making responsible choices for curriculum activities such as Carousel, PE (KS4), class trips etc. Students are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms, for example through E-safety, PSHE, and Citizenship lessons.
Whether it is through choice of challenge, of how they record, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, students are given the freedom to make choices.
Mutual Respect:
The college ethos and behaviour policy are very strongly centred around Core Values such as ‘Respect’, and students have been part of discussions through circle time and assemblies about what this means and how it is shown. Weekly assemblies promote mutual respect through Student of the Week awards, celebrating student achievements, House points etc.
The College promotes respect for students success and determination. For example, awards are presented each half-term to 12 students from across all Key Stages for Personal Development, Consistent Good Work/Behaviour and Most Improvement in Learning. There is also a Headteacher’s Award for one student for something exceptional.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:
This is achieved through enhancing students understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Assemblies and discussions to address the wider social issue of prejudice and prejudice-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE. As a result, students tolerance for others can be seen throughout the College, with exceptionally low levels of bullying or racist incidents.