British Values at FHS

Though it has acquired a greater urgency in recent months, the importance of schools espousing British values is not new

The 2008 National Curriculum includes the following statement:

The school curriculum should contribute to the development of pupils’ sense of identity through knowledge and understanding of the spiritual, moral, social and cultural heritages of Britain’s diverse society and of the local, national, European, Commonwealth and global dimensions of their lives.

The 2011 Teachers’ Standards state, as part of teachers’ personal and professional conduct:

Teachers uphold public trust in the profession and maintain high standards of ethics and behaviour, within and outside school, by not undermining fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. 

These values support the national Prevent Strategy, put before Parliament in 2011 by the Home Secretary as a response to radicalisation of British citizens.

The Prevent Strategy recognises the importance of schools in counter-terrorism activities. More recently, concerns about the inappropriate actions of some schools were highlighted in the Birmingham Trojan Horse case, where a number of OFSTED inspections revealed a failure to promote British values adequately in some schools, meaning that young people in them were vulnerable to radical and extremist ideas. Consequently, all schools need a clear statement of British values and how they are promoted through the school’s curriculum.

We believe that the following list exemplifies some of the values held dear by British citizens:

• Democracy
• Respect of the rule of law
• Appreciation of the rights of other citizens
• Individual liberty
• The promotion of opportunities for all
• Support for those who cannot, by themselves, sustain a dignified life-style
• Religious tolerance and respect for cultural diversity
• Treating others with fairness
• Participation in community life
• The contribution to, as well as the benefit from, cultural and economic resources

Although this list is not exhaustive, we believe it encapsulates the attitudes Forest Hall School values and seeks to inculcate in its young people.

At Forest Hall School we believe that our statement of vision and values, found on the school’s website, makes explicit our fundamental belief in many of these values. This statement is the foundation of all our work with our students. British values are embodied in the following more specific ways:

• Our school’s motto is “BELIEF”. All students are regularly spoken to about the importance of these attributes for success in school. Explanations of each of the three points are provided visually all around the school for the benefit of our community and for visitors.
• Students study RE and PSHCE (incorporating SMSC).
• The RE and PSHE curriculum contains numerous elements which are directly applicable to promoting British values.
• Students participate in Mock Elections to develop their understanding of democracy.
• The school supports local, national and international charities. In 2016 more than £3500 was raised for The Smile of the Child Project.
• The House system is a way of organising students in groups to ensure they are involved in every aspect of school life. The House system encourages active participation in the school community.
• All students participate in additional Collapsed Timetable Days to further develop their life skills. These days relate to the below areas:

o    What does it mean to be British

o    Crime and the law

o    Local citizenship and the importance of voting in a democracy

o    Human rights and responsibilities

o    Extremism and terrorism