Promoting British Values
Aspire Academy is committed to serving its community. We recognise the multi-cultural, multi faith and ever-changing nature of Britain. We also understand the vital role we have in ensuring that groups or individuals within the school are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.
We follow 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, or similar. We are dedicated to preparing pupils for their adult life beyond the formal examined curriculum and ensuring that it promotes and reinforces British values to all its pupils.
The Government emphasises that schools are required to ensure that key ‘British Values’ are taught in all UK schools. The five British Values are:
- Democracy
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Mutual respect
- Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
The examples that follow show some of the many ways we seek to embed British values.
Democracy
The principle of democracy is consistently being reinforced at Aspire Academy, with democracy processes being used for important decisions within the school community, for instance, School Council elections, decisions and ideas as well as pupils and parents providing valuable input into school policies.
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 Aspire. Pupils are taught the rules and expectations of the school which are highlighted in our Behaviour Policy. Pupils 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 and Fire Service reinforce this message.
Individual liberty
At Aspire, pupils are actively encouraged to make independent choices, with the knowledge that they are in a safe, secure and supportive environment. Staff at Aspire educate and provide boundaries for pupils to make informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education.
Pupils 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 PSHE.
We have a robust anti-bullying culture and have in place a comprehensive Behaviour Policy.
Mutual Respect
Respect is a strong part of our culture and values ar Aspire. Pupils learn that their behaviours have 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 through equipping pupils with the ability to understand their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving the opportunities to experience such diversity within the school community. Our RE curriculum teaches and challenges the children to be curious, interested and understand other faiths and beliefs.
We strive endlessly to ensure that our pupils leave with the strongest foundation of values upon which to build a successful life and a successful contribution to our Society.