British Values  

At Hearsall Academy we recognise not only the importance of allowing children to flourish academically but we also embrace our wider role in preparing them for their adult life beyond the formal examined curriculum. 

Part of our role in preparation is ensuring that we promote and reinforce British Values to our pupils. 

The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy and the DfE have recently reinforced the need “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.” 

How do we contribute to the Promotion of British Values? 

The examples that follow are an indication of some of the ways we seek to embed British Values at Hearsall and should be seen as an indication of our approach rather than an exhaustive list: 

Democracy 

Democracy is prevalent within the school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council and Pupil questionnaires. The democratic process is employed for important decisions within the school community in order that children can see, first hand, how this process works. From a curricular point of view, the principle of democracy is explored in History, Religious Education, PSHE and through current affairs sessions. 

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; Magistrates etc. 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 safety, through of 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 numerous 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 classroom and learning rules, 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. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.