British Values

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Teaching British Values

At Chances, we firmly believe and are committed to the teaching of values which promote cohesiveness within our school and community. We believe that these values which traditionally underpin British Society should permeate all aspects of school life and be upheld by every member of the school and wider community. Every member of the school community should feel confident and secure in their responsibility to promote British Values.

Definition of British Values

In 2011, the government defined British Values as:

  • Democracy

  • The rule of law

  • Individual liberty

  • Mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs

This guidance was initially published to further strengthen the previous guidance published in improving the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of students to ensure young people leave school prepared for modern life in Britain. In November 2014, the government outlined that all schools must now have a clear strategy for embedding these values and show how their work has been effective in doing so.

We at Chances promote these values through our own school values, curriculum delivery, and the school offer and enrichment activities. The purpose of our actions will ensure all students at Chances have a voice that is listened to.. 

Chances will prepare students for life in modern day Britain where the population has an increasingly rich diversity of backgrounds, origins, beliefs and cultures by promoting the values on which our society has been built. By teaching students these values we will help all to become good citizens of the United Kingdom

The examples that follow are an indication of some of the many ways we seek to embed British values at Chances  and should be seen as an indication of our approach rather than an exhaustive list.

Democracy

  • School Council

  • Involving students in decision making

  • Taking part in group discussions and debates

  • Ensuring all students are listened to by adults

  • Inviting speakers to the school

  • Taking part in the UK Youth Parliament Elections

The Rule of Law

  • Having a clear behaviour policy that is explained to all

  • Organising visits from outside speakers, including the police service to reinforce the message of right and wrong

Individual Liberty

  • Encouraging students to be independent in their learning

  • Providing students with opportunities for reflection as they take responsibility to discerning their vocation

  • Mutual respect

  • Having a mission statement that is inclusive

  • Constantly promoting respect for others as good manners

  • Reinforcing the value of everyone’s opinions in class debates

  • Having an effective anti-bullying policy

  • Having educational links with other schools

  • Remembrance Activities

  • Supporting charitable works

Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

  • Marking Holocaust Memorial Day

  • Focusing on rights and responsibilities

  • celebrations of different religious festivals throughout the year

Behaviours which are contrary to these British values are actively challenged, whether they come from children, parents or staff. Such instances are extremely rare in school and we are proud of the reputation we have in our local community.