At Heathcote School and Science College we recognise and embrace our wider role in preparing pupils for life beyond academic education and their responsibilities in an exciting, dynamic society. An integral part of that preparation is to ensure that we promote both British and ultimately human values to our pupils.
The UK Government defined its British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy and considered them to be democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. At Heathcote School and Science College these values permeate through all levels of our school community.
The following examples are an indication of some of the ways that we encourage, discuss and embed British Values at Heathcote School and Science College. This is not an exhaustive list but highlights many of the significant ways that the school embraces its responsibility to its pupils and the wider society.
Democracy
At Heathcote School and Science College democracy plays an integral role. Our Heathcote Ambassador leadership team are an elected group of pupils who assist the school in making decisions and forward planning. Comprised of over 50 pupils across all year groups who have been appointed via a rigorous application system which is overseen by the Assistant Head Teacher and Head Pupil Team. They lead on pupil voice and form the School Council. They are also responsible for activism across the school and lead on fundraising events and campaigns relating to issues that our pupils raise via School Council. They are role models for our school and represent our school across multiple events. The Ambassador team are led by the Head Pupil team comprised of 10 senior ambassadors who have been democratically elected by their peers. They are responsible for the leadership of our Heathcote School Ambassadors. This is a position which comes with great responsibility and pupils are expected to be ambassadors, role models and leaders. The principle of democracy is also actively explored in the History and PIE curriculums.
The rule of law
The school accepts and embraces its responsibility in educating using laws and rules. Whether these are the laws that govern the class, the school, the community or the country, Heathcote School and Science College acknowledges its responsibility in informing its pupils of the role that laws play. Laws are used consistently around school when dealing with behaviour and expectations and these are also embodied in our requirement of a uniform. Pupils are taught the values and purpose behind laws and how these have evolved throughout national and international history. The laws that govern and protect us are and acknowledged whilst Heathcote School and Science College embrace our close relationship with community groups such as the Police, Fire and Armed Services. Our curriculum supports discussion and opinions on a number of laws and rules throughout history.
Individual Liberty
Within Heathcote School and Science College pupils are treated as an individual and have a freedom to voice their opinions in a safe, secure and supportive environment. It is the duty of the school to ensure that we educate and provide our pupils with the skills and knowledge to make safe, informed decisions regarding their own physical, social, emotional and mental development. We encourage our pupils to act responsibly when taking decisions and explore opportunities with an understanding of their rights and entitlements. The school has a duty to provide appropriate boundaries for the pupils without being restrictive to their development. Heathcote School and Science College values all pupils as individuals and we guide through pupils’ consent wherever practically possible. Our PIE curriculum, Pastoral programme, Heathcote Ambassadors, Mental Health Ambassadors and Anti-bullying Ambassadors are some of the ways in which the school meets its duty to our pupils.
Mutual Respect
Respect for others is a core value for all staff and pupils at Heathcote School and Science College and underpins our behaviour system of “Ready, Respectful and Responsible” learners. The school actively promotes respect for others throughout all classrooms, assemblies and the wider school environment. Our commitment to democracy and cohesive community relations are reiterated throughout the year and visible through the range of exposure our pupils have to different cultures, races, religions and traditions. pupils are always encouraged to voice opinions, debate and disagreement are an entitlement and healthy in a positive, respectful community. Pupils are encouraged to accept disagreement and different opinions whilst embracing empathy and tolerance towards all those in our school community. Heathcote School and Science College encourages pupils to show respect for others in assemblies, tutor times, debating clubs, ‘fair play’ in PE and at appropriate times with staff.
Tolerance
Heathcote School and Science College embraces its duty to equip our pupils with the ability to understand their place in a culturally diverse community and wider society. The school provides opportunities for pupils to experience such diversity within the school environment this is done via the tutor programme, assemblies and the wider curriculum. Our behaviour policy promotes tolerance and encourages our pupils to respect one another and accept one another’s differences. The school also runs a number of trips, some abroad during which our pupils gain valuable experience of other cultures and languages. We regularly celebrate our diversity and this is highlighted in our annual Culture Day and celebrations of Black History Month and LGBTQ+ History Month. The school meets the needs of religious groups through dietary requirements, religious observance and religious holidays. Reasonable adjustments are made and pupils and staff are made aware when pupils are involved in religious observance which may require support or amendments.
Our PIE curriculum explores, encourages and acknowledges a range of faiths, religions and cultures to meet the overwhelming need of our immediate community.
Any concerns that you may have with the school’s provision and promotion of British Values should be expressed to the Head Teacher.