Why are British Values at Blackpool Aspire Academy important?

At Aspire, we believe British Values are greatly important to us. British values identify how we should conduct ourselves in being a citizen in Great Britain today, with a diverse population that contributes to our society; this is increasingly prevalent today and in the future.

The promotion of these values to our students, are undertaken through tutor time to embed these into student work across all curriculum areas.

In 2014, the Department of Education published guidance on promoting British values in schools to ensure young people leave school and college prepared for life in modern Britain and these values were first set out in the ‘Prevent’ strategy in 2011.

 

The five definitions of British values are as follows:

Democracy, The rule of Law, Individual liberty, Mutual Respect, Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.

Our aim with these British Values at Blackpool Aspire Academy is as follows:

Help students to become valuable and rounded members of society who treat others with respect and tolerance, regardless of background

Promote the basic British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance for those of different beliefs and faiths to students.

Ensure young people understand the importance of respect and leave college fully prepared for life in modern Britain.

Celebrate difference and promote diversity through tutor time.

Encourage an understanding of the difficulties other cultures face where such values are not respected

We will look at how democracy and the law works through tutor time activities. All our students have a voice that is listened to and valued through the student council.

 

British Values - a changing world

Blackpool Aspire Academy is committed to promoting British Values.  We recognise the ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom and we understand the vital role we play in ensuring that groups or individuals within the academy are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.

Aspire Academy follows equal opportunities guidance which guarantees that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status. Blackpool Aspire Academy is dedicated to preparing students for their adult life by ensuring that it promotes and reinforces British values to all its students.

The Government emphasises that schools are required to ensure that key ‘British Values’ are taught in all UK schools.  The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy.

The five British Values are:

·         Democracy

·         The rule of law

·         Individual liberty

·         Mutual respect

·         Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

 

Democracy

Democracy is consistently being reinforced at Blackpool Aspire Academy, with democracy processes being used for important decisions within the school community, for instance, elections being held for Head Boy and Girl and Deputy Head Boy and Girl positions and Student Parliament members. The principle of democracy is also explored further within the curriculum as well as in form time and assemblies. 

The rule of law

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at Blackpool Aspire Academy. 
Students are taught the rules and expectations of the school which are highlighted by the student code of conduct and academy expectations.  Students are taught the value and the reasons behind laws that govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken.  Visits from authorities such as the Police also reinforce this message.

Individual liberty

At Blackpool Aspire Academy, students are actively encouraged to make independent choices, with the knowledge that they are in a safe, secure and supportive environment. Staff at Blackpool Aspire Academy educate and provide boundaries for students to make informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education. 

Students are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised on how to exercise these safely, for example through e-safety and Form Time work.

Aspire has a robust anti-bullying culture and has in place a comprehensive Behaviour for Learning Policy.

Mutual Respect

Respect is a strong part of the values held at Blackpool Aspire Academy.  Students learn that their behaviour has an effect on their own rights and those of others.  All members of the school community treat each other with respect and this is reiterated through its teaching and learning environments. 

Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

This is achieved though equipping students with the ability to understand their place in a culturally diverse society.  The Religious Studies curriculum, provides a broad and balanced education on a range of faiths, religions and cultures. 

The academy embeds British values through form time activities that cover the core values on a termly basis.  In addition, British Values are taught on Aspirational Days in Year 7 as a discreet lesson and also as part of a ‘Prevent’ set of lessons that include: Exploring Britishness; Who are the British?; Identifying Racism; and Stereotypes and the Media.

It is the philosophy of the school to promote the spiritual, moral, and cultural development of students at the school and prepare students at the school for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life.