Promoting British Values at Windmill L.E.A.D. Academy:
At Windmill we have twelve core values that we uphold and encourage our pupils and staff to demonstrate each and every day. They can be found here: https://www.windmillacademy.co.uk/about-us/visions-values/
These core values underpin our vision and everything we do at Windmill L.E.A.D. Academy. They help guide us to lead more meaningful lives through the choices we make and influence our attitudes and behaviours. Furthermore, we want these values to be the key characteristics of our learners.
In addition to this, the DfE have 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 2011, and these values were reiterated in 2014.
At Windmill L.E.A.D. Academy we aim for our pupils to become valuable and fully rounded members of society who treat others with respect and tolerance, regardless of background. We promote the basic British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs in the following ways:
Democracy:
We have a School Council and an Eco Council with members from Year One to Year Six. These pupils have election campaigns and are voted for by their classes whole school.
In addition to this, we have a pupil Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Environmental Minister. The successful candidates led a campaign and were voted in – via a whole school election in Summer Term.
The Councils both meet regularly and in the meetings the pupils’ views and ideas on a range of school issues are sought. School Councillors help make decisions for the school. For example, they collect class views which they bring to their meetings and are involved in decision making and fund raising for the school.
The Rule of Law:
Pupils are taught from the beginning the ‘values’ of the school. Pupils are taught the importance of and reasons behind our school ‘values’ which are integrated into our Code of Conduct and the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when we do not act according to our Code of Conduct.
Pupils learn about rules, rewards and consequences. They also learn about the different roles in society and their importance for maintaining the rule of law, for example the role of a Police Officer.
Individual Liberty:
Pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. Pupils learn about how their choices can also impact other people. Making choices is a key part of the way we want pupils to learn and have mastery over their learning.
Through our teaching, we discuss different choices that pupils can make and encourage them to make the right choices, this permeates our curriculum as well as having dedicated sessions in PSHE. We look at online safety as a key part of the computing curriculum and the importance making safe choices when online.
Mutual Respect:
Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. We are an inclusive school where everyone is valued and has a contribution to make to the school. Pupils learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others.
Pupils and staff often work with other schools in our Trust, which develops their respect for everyone in the wider community. We also value our similarities and differences and understand that diversity brings a richness to us.
Tolerance and Celebration of People of Different Faiths and Beliefs:
All different faiths and beliefs are explored and celebrated through assemblies, RE lessons, visits to places of worship and a variety of visitors into school. Our pupils are taught that people have different faiths and beliefs and that these should be celebrated.
Pupils within our school of all faiths are encouraged to share their practices and special celebrations through study and there is also a space for reflection.
We Celebrate our Cultural Diversity in Numerous Ways:
- Assemblies about the countries all over the world that our community has links to
- International Day every year to celebrate our collective and individual heritage
- Naming the classes after the capital cities of the 15 countries from which we have most pupils and through a culture of respect and curiosity for ourselves and each other.