British Values

Promoting British Values

At Whyteleafe School we take a holistic approach to British Values, these are embedded in our day to day teaching, through our Whyteleafe wheel for learning and is evident in our Whyteleafe wider learning books which are in every classroom.  Whyteleafe is committed to serving its community.  It recognises the multi-cultural, multi faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom.  It also understands the vital role it has 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. Whyteleafe School is dedicated to preparing pupils for their secondary education and then 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 government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy.

The five British Values are:

• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect
• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

   

  Whyteleafe uses strategies within the National curriculum and beyond to secure such outcomes for students.   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 Whyteleafe School, with democratic processes being used for important decisions within the school community, for instance, elections being held for the Pupil Leadership Team and School Council. The principle of democracy is also explored throughout the wider Whyteleafe curriculum.

  The rule of law

  The importance of laws, whether they are those that govern the class, the school, or the country, is consistently reinforced at Whyteleafe School. 
  
  Pupils are taught the rules and expectations of the school which are promoted across the school within our vision statement and the expectations of behaviour. In addition, pupils are fully engaged in individual class expectations for behaviour. Pupils are taught the value and the reasons behind these expectations that govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when expectations are not followed.

  Individual liberty

  At Whyteleafe School, pupils are actively encouraged to make independent choices, with the knowledge that they are in a safe, secure and supportive environment. Our vision includes independence as one of its core themes. Staff at Whyteleafe School 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 work.

  Whyteleafe has a robust anti-bullying culture and has in place a comprehensive Promotion of Positive Behaviour Policy.

  Mutual Respect

  Respect is a strong part of Whyteleafe School and is part of our vision statement which promotes the importance of excellent social skills.  Pupils learn that their behaviours can have both a positive and negative effect on their impact on others and on their own and others long term well-being. All members of the school community treat each other with respect and this is reiterated through our teaching and learning environments. Our Sapphire Tie of Greatness is awarded in each class to three pupils on a weekly basis to celebrate children who demonstrate excellent social skills and mutual respect.

  Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

  This is achieved though 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.  Pupils benefit from a number of international links, including with pupils from other continents and cultures.  Additionally, pupils are actively encouraged to share their faith and beliefs within the school and celebrate festivities throughout the calendar year.  The Religious Education curriculum provides a broad and balanced education on a range of faiths, religions and cultures. 

  Whyteleafe School has also been accredited with the International Schools Award and works in partnerships with schools overseas to teach pupils about life in other countries and develop them as global citizens

  Whyteleafe School continues to expect that pupils leave with the strongest foundation of values upon which to build a successful life.  We continue to strive that our pupils be excellent role models and to ensure that every pupil makes a successful contribution to our society.