At Cansfield High School we recognise not only the importance of allowing students to flourish academically but we also embrace our wider role of preparing them for their adult life beyond the formal curriculum. Part of our role in that preparation is ensuring that we promote and reinforce British values to our students.
The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values have been reiterated by the Prime Minister. These are considered to be democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.
The examples that follow are an indication of some of the ways we seek to embed British values at Cansfield High School and should be seen as an indication of our approach rather than an exhaustive list.
Democracy
At Cansfield High School the principle of democracy is consistently reinforced, with the democratic process being employed for important decisions within the school community, for example, elections being held for Head Boy and Girl and participation in the Student Parliament and the Headteacher’s Council. Student’s views are also collected through questionnaires. The principle of democracy is explored in PSHE/Life Studies and History as well as in form time and assemblies.
Individual Liberty
Within school, students 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 people to make choices safely. Students are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights, responsibilities and personal freedoms and receive advice about how to exercise these safely, for example through our exploration of E-safety and their tutor time activities.
The Rule of Law
The importance of Laws, whether they may be those that govern the class, the school or the country are consistently reinforced throughout the school day and through school assemblies. Students 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 the Fire Service and input from the Police are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message.
Mutual Respect
Respect is a strong feature of the Cansfield High School ethos and is part of our mission statement and values. Students learn that their behaviour has an effect on their own rights and those of others. Mutual respect is embraced throughout the curriculum by providing the opportunity for students to express their views in a safe environment so that the thoughts and answers of all are respected.
Tolerance of Those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
This is achieved through equipping students with the ability to understand their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them the opportunities to experience such diversity within the school community. We also run a number of trips abroad from which students gain valuable experiences of other cultures and languages. Our curriculum for both Life Studies and RE provides a broad and balanced education on a range of faiths, religions and cultures.
