British values

Schools are now expected to focus on, and be able to show, how we with work with students to effectively embed fundamental British values into learning.

The government set out their definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy which were reinforced in September 2014. These new regulations sit alongside the requirements of the Equalities Act, which also applies to all types of schools.

We agree with the Department for Education’s five-part definition of British values:

democracy
the rule of law
individual liberty
mutual respect
tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

At Browney Academy students encounter these principles throughout everyday school life with our curriculum mapped to ensure they are embedded in all aspects of our school. Listed below are some examples of how we promote these values in our school community.

Democracy	Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our school council and pupil questionnaires. Children are elected on to our school council by their peers. Our school behaviour policy involves rewards which the school council have voted on and agreed after consulting children in their class.
The rule of law	The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the police, fire service and railway police are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message.
Individual liberty	Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school, we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make choices safely, through provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advise how to exercise these safely, for example through our e-safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it be through choice of challenge, of how they record, of participation in our extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
Mutual respect	Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy has revolved around core values such as ‘respect’, and pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown. Posters around the school promote respect for others and this is reiterated through our school rules, class rules and expectations as well as our behaviour policy.
Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs	This is achieved through enhancing pupils understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE. Pupils also participate in cultural themed days e.g Diwali and Chinese New Year.