British Values

At Forest Edge School 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 TREES values.

The examples that follow are an indication of some of the ways we embed British values at Forest Edge School and should be seen as an indication of our approach rather than an exhaustive list.

Forest Edge School 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.

Forest Edge School 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 a variety of organisations within the community including the Ambulance Service, Fire Service and the local RNLI/Independent Lifeboat.

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.

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  charitable causes throughout the year (for example a local hospice)

Pupils are encouraged to participate in leadership opportunities that not only develop their skills but could potentially impact on a large number of students.

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: Teamwork, Resilience, Engagement, Enjoyment and Self-confidence 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.