Promoting British Values
At OEA Education the fundamental British values are embedded into all we do. Whilst these values are taught explicitly through our PSHCE curriculum they pervade all aspects of our curriculum and link closely to our school THINK values.
The examples that follow are an indication of some of the ways we embed British values at OEA Education and should be seen as an indication of our approach rather than an exhaustive list.
Democracy
OEA Education students have a voice. That voice is heard through regular Student Voice meetings. The importance of parliamentary democracy is demonstrated in students being able to vote on key matters for the school. Students are also involved in the recruitment process for some members of staff. Our students learn our island’s story – and where our freedoms and things like our Parliament and constitutional monarchy came from.
Upholding The Law
OEA Education consistently reinforces the importance of laws and rules, whether they govern a class, the school or the country. Laws and rules are also reinforced through year assemblies. Students are taught the values of laws and rules, the reasons behind them and the consequences that apply when they are broken. The school has links with the Ambulance Service, Fire Service and the local RNLI/Independent Lifeboat.
Tolerance of Other
The various churches and faith groups that call Britain home are all a key part of the Religious Education curriculum. We strive to improve our students’ understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity in school. Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying are supported by learning in RE drop down days and PSHE.
Individual Liberty
Students are actively encouraged to think about and make good and right choices in their daily lives in and out of school. We provide students with a safe and secure environment that supports them in making the right choices via a balanced curriculum. Students are encouraged get involved in a variety of extra-curricular and community activities. Students and staff work together for a large number of charitable causes throughout the year (Heart Foundation, Red Nose Day, Children in Need and our school charity, the RNLI)
Pupils are encouraged to participate in leadership opportunities that not only develop their skills but could potentially impact on a large number of students.
Mutual Respect
Respect is at the core of our school ethos and is modelled by students and staff alike. The school promotes respect for others and this is reiterated through our classroom and learning environments. Our school ethos and behaviour policy revolves around Core Values: Tolerance, Honesty, Initiative, Nurture and Knowledge as well as our school expectations of Ready, Respectful, Safe.
Students are part of discussions and assemblies related to what these mean and how they are shown. Our ethos promotes respect for others and this is reiterated through our individual classroom rules, as well as our behaviour policy.
THINK Values
| THINK Values | British Values | |
|---|---|---|
| TOLERANCE |
We all have differences, and we tolerate others’ opinions and differences where these don’t impact on others. Everyone has equal status, rights and opportunities and we respect those. We consider our own reactions to others. |
I can show tolerance and encourage harmony between different cultural traditions by showing an appreciation and respect for other cultures. I have respect for democracy and am interested in the participation of thedemocratic process, including a respect and tolerance for the basis on which the law is made and applied in England.
|
| HONESTY |
We will act with honesty and integrity in all situations, aiming to build trust between everyone we work with and encounter. Our actions will demonstrate that we have trust in others, and that others are able to have trust in us.
|
I can distinguish right from wrong and I respect the civil and criminal law of England. I know that I have responsibility for my actions and I am strong enough to make the right choices.
|
| INITIATIVE |
We take chances, trying new things and taking ownership
of our mistakes. We aim to think for ourselves and look for ways to help others. We consider the risks of the things we do, and then make appropriate choices.
|
I understand that I have the right to be heard and develop self confidence and self esteem to share these opinions in a respectful and thoughtful way. I understand and respect the democratic process such as is usedin England and I am able to develop ideas in line with the rules of the school
|
| NURTURE |
We will aim to nurture each other’s ideas, opinions, and goals, supporting and encouraging where we can. Everyone should try to treat everyone as we would wish to be treated ourselves. Respect for yourself, forothers, for equipment, for the workspaces and for the environment.
|
I understand that others may have a different opinion to mine and that everyone in England has freedom of choice and the right to respectfully express their own views and beliefs. My behaviour is my responsibility. I understand that I have rights and personal freedoms but that it is up to me to make the right choice.
|
| KNOWLEDGE |
We will build knowledge of the world around us, of
ourselves and of what we can achieve, and we will seek to increase our own academic knowledge and work towards gaining awards and qualifications to give ourselves a better future.
|
I know that there are rules and laws in place in England and that they are there to help everyone know rightfrom wrong. I have responsibility for my own actions. I know why the rules and laws are in place and how they govern and protect us. I understand the consequences of breaking these laws.
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