Skip to content ↓

British Values

Promoting British Values

In 2011, the government defined British Values as, democracy, the rule of the law, individual liberty, mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

We promote these values through our mission statement, own school values, our curriculum and our enrichment activities.

Mission Statement

Hollywater is a school where diversity is celebrated, strong partnerships built and everybody is treated as a unique individual.

We aim to provide:

  • a happy, safe and secure leaning environment where everyone is respected and listened to
  • a stimulating, experienced based curriculum that is meaningful, appropriate and relevant to our students, enabling them to maintain progress and reach their full potential
  • a consistent approach to the delivery of SMSC development through the curriculum and overall life of the school, preparing our pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life
  • close working partnerships with parents/ carers and other service users
  • staff who are good role models, set high standards for teaching and learning and treat everybody as unique and valuable individuals who are encouraged to reach their full potential

Value

How we promote it

DEMOCRACY

UN CRC Article 12: Children have the right to say what they think should happen, when adults are making decisions that affect them, and to have their opinions taken into account

  • We ensure pupils and students are given a ‘voice’ to communicate - this voice could be using words, pictures, symbols, ACC or eye pointing.
  • We empower our pupils and students by giving them opportunities to make choices.
  • We have an annually elected School Council.
  • Democracy is promoted through PSHE/RSE lessons
  • Through annual reviews of EHC plans pupils, students, and parents are encouraged to share views and discuss any concerns.

RULE OF LAW

UN CRC Article 19: Governments should ensure that children are properly cared for, and protect them from violence, abuse and neglect by their parents or anyone else who looks after them

  • We involve our pupils and students in setting codes of behaviour for our school and  for their class.
  • Our Behaviour Policy reflects our commitment to help pupils and students manage their behaviour and take responsibility for their actions.
  • Through circle time and PSHE/RSE lessons pupils and students are taught to develop a sense of morality, knowing right from wrong, helping them to make decisions and choices that are acceptable to the school community and in society at large.
  • Visits to and from the police and fire service reinforce expectations of behaviour in the community.
  • We aim to provide an environment where pupils and students feel safe and secure which we believe promotes optimum conditions for learning to take place.

INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY

UN CRC Article 31: All children have the right to relax and play, and to join in a wide range of activities

UN CRC Article15: Children have the right to meet together and to join groups and organisations, as long as this does not stop other people from enjoying their rights

  • Pupils and students are taught to keep themselves safe - including e-safety. This is done through computing lessons, circle time and through PSHE/RSE lessons.
  • Staff are committed to establishing and maintaining a climate in which all pupils and students feel safe and secure and bullying is not tolerated.
  • Pupils and students have the freedom to make choices, using their preferred method of communication. Including choices of courses and options activities at KS4 and KS5.
  • We endeavour to demonstrate that everyone has rights and some pupils and students will be able to take responsibility for particular roles in the school.
  • Pupils and students are encouraged to become as independent as possible which enhances a healthy self-esteem and enables them to make a positive contribution.

MUTUAL RESPECT

UN CRC Article 2: The convention applies to everyone whatever their race, religion, abilities whatever they think or say and whatever type of family they come from

  • We promote respect for others and that respect is shown to everyone whatever differences we may have.
  • Through our school values, Circle time and PSHE/RSE sessions pupils and students are taught to work cooperatively and collaboratively.
  • As a school we take part in sporting events and activities which helps instil ‘fair play’ and engender a ‘team spirit’.

TOLERANCE of DIFFERENT FAITHS and BELIEFS

UN CRC Article 14: Children have the right to think and believe what they want, and to practice their religion, as long as they are not stopping other people from enjoying their rights. Parents should guide their children on these matters

  • We are part of a school and local communities where each person is respected and valued equally without regard to ability, gender, faith, heritage or race.
  • In our curriculum we place great emphasis on providing encounters and participation in events and celebrations to broaden pupil and student experiences and awareness of others.
  • Pupils and students are encouraged to experience British Culture through our curriculum topics.
  • Staff are attuned to our Safeguarding Policy and if they are concerned about any pupil they exercise their duty of care by actively protecting and promoting the welfare of all.