British Values Statement

The Department for Education has introduced a statutory duty for schools to promote British Values from September 2014, and to ensure they are actively promoted and adhered to in schools.

Cornwell Education Learning Trust (CELT) 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.

It follows 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. CELT is dedicated to preparing students for their adult life beyond the formal, examined curriculum and ensuring that it promotes and reinforces British values to all its students.

The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy.

The five key British Values are:

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

We use strategies within the national curriculum and beyond to secure such outcomes for students. The examples that follow show some of the many ways the Trust’s academies seek to instil British Values.

Democracy
Democracy can be seen as a state of society characterised by equality of rights and privileges. It can also refer to our nation’s electoral systems.

In our academies we promote the importance of democracy through such things as:

  • The free and fair election process for student positions of responsibility
  • Students being encouraged to consider alternative pathways in lessons
  • Student Voice on key school decisions through processes including online school surveys, school council committees, student voice scrutiny
  • Students elect peers to represent them on our student council
  • Strong adherence to our Equalities policy and objectives in line with the Equality Act 2010

The rule of law
All people and institutions are subject to and accountable to law that is fairly applied and enforced.

In our academies we promote the importance of the rule of law through such things as:

  • School code of conduct and behaviour and discipline policies
  • Marking and feedback and homework policies set with clear boundaries, which are explained clearly to students and staff
  • Accountability is stressed to all stakeholders including staff (Teacher’s Standards), students (Student code of conduct) and Directors

Individual liberty
Individual liberty suggests the free exercise of rights generally seen as outside Government control.

Across our academies we promote the importance of individual liberty through such things as:

  • A robust and clear anti-bullying culture and policy for all students and staff, which allows the opportunity for individual choices in a safe and supportive environment
  • The increasing liberty afforded to students as they move up from key stage two. Sixth Form students are allowed to leave the site at certain times, with some Key Stage 4 groups taught off-site, in particular PE
  • The wealth of extra-curricular activities and clubs available to all students
  • Students actively encouraged to express views and opinions in lessons in a formative manner
  • Students offered choice for their future academic pathways as they move through the Key Stages
  • Opportunities for freedom of speech and expression through mediums such as the school newsletter and student-led assemblies

Mutual respect
The proper regard for an individual’s dignity, which is reciprocated.

In our academies we promote the importance of mutual respect through such things as:

  • Strong SMSC provision
  • A broad and balanced curriculum
  • The tutorial Programme and Assemblies
  • Clear guidance on the impact of good behaviour in all facets of school life
  • A learning culture which promotes the core values that students take responsibility for their actions and recognise the implications of negative behaviour on others
  • A school uniform developed with the school council and student voice

Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
A fair, objective, and permissive attitude to those whose faith and beliefs may differ from one’s own.

In our academies we promote the importance of tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs through such things as:

  • Religious Studies taught to all students across all key stages using Cornwall’s agreed syllabus
  • External faith speakers invited into assemblies
  • A vertical House system in addition to the horizontal pastoral system
  • Acceptance of faith symbolism
  • The extensive extra-curricular programme

Policy Link
CELT Policies