British Values

Promoting British Values at Archbishop Sentamu Academy

What are the fundamental British Values?

The following underpinning British Values have been identified:

1. Democracy
2. Rule of law
3. Mutual respect and tolerance
4. Individual liberty

Promoting Fundamental British Values

We aim to actively promote British values in schools to ensure young people leave school prepared for life in modern Britain. Pupils are encouraged to regard people of all faiths, races and cultures with respect and tolerance and understand that while different people may hold different views about what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, all people living in England are subject to its law.

Our school’s core Christian values of Trust, Love and Community work in harmony with these fundamental British Values, and through our work on developing both aspects of children’s personal values-set, we encourage pupils to consider them together.

How we promote these values in the taught curriculum

A detailed outline of how we promote fundamental British Values in the taught curriculum at all Key Stages is to be found at this link:

British Values in the ASA Curriculum

How we promote these values beyond the taught curriculum

• Challenging pupils, staff or parents who express opinions contrary to British values
• Modelling values through what we say and do
• Teaching British Values explicitly and implicitly through our Collective Worship programme

Democracy – what do we do?

• Providing pupils with a broad general knowledge of, and promote respect for, public institutions and services
• Teaching pupils how they can influence decision-making through the democratic process, such as through active participation in the Student Council and Senate, encouraging pupils to become involved in decision-making processes and ensure they are listened to
• Helping pupils to express their views in tutor time and through student voice
• Modelling how perceived injustice can be peacefully challenged
• Encourage student participation in Student Voice focus groups on all aspects of our school life.

Rule of law – what do we do?

• Ensuring school values and expectations are clear and fair
• Using praise and reward to promote positive consequences, through the Conduct Card and Positive Referral system
• Using sanctions to encourage pupils to take ownership of their own behaviour, through the Conduct Card System
• Helping pupils to distinguish right from wrong in their behaviour and showing them the way to behave
• Helping pupils to respect the rules of the Academy and the basis on which these are made
• Helping pupils to understand that living under a system of clearly defined rules protects individuals; Including visits from the police across the year

Mutual respect and tolerance – what do we do?

• Promoting respect for individual differences
• Helping pupils to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life, particularly through RE curriculum
• Challenging prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour
• Teaching pupils how to disagree in a respectful way

Individual liberty – what do we do?

• Supporting pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence
• Encouraging pupils to take responsibility for their behaviour, as well as knowing their rights
• Modelling freedom of speech through pupil participation, while ensuring protection of vulnerable pupils and promoting critical analysis of evidence
• Challenging stereotypes
• Implementing a strong anti-bullying culture
• Promoting the importance of E-Safety lessons through school

How we promote British values
British Values Statement – Appendix 1