British Values

 The curriculum supports pupils to develop roles as responsible citizens in British society

(Ofsted, 2019)

At William Edwards School, we are committed to serving our local, regional and national community and stakeholders in the most effective way possible.

We recognise the multi-cultural, multi-faith and multi-ethnic dynamic of the United Kingdom and we recognise the vital role that we play in ensuring that groups and/or individuals within the school are not subjected to prejudice, intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to subject them to illegal influence or to undue pressure.

We accept admissions from all those entitled to an education under British law, including pupils of all faiths or none, as allocated to the school through the application of our published Admissions Policy.  We follow equal-opportunities guidelines, which ensure that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or background.

At William Edwards School we use opportunities both from within our published  curriculum and beyond, to secure the British values outlined below for all students.

• democracy
• the rule of law
• individual liberty
• mutual respect
• tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

Core Curriculum

Our core curriculum prepares children for life in British society

Foundation Curriculum

We take every opportunity to address and explore issues as they arise within individual subject areas. Students are encouraged to exercise and apply their analytic and empathic skills to consider the wider social and moral implications raised within all areas of the KS3 and 4 curriculum. All students are given access to a wide variety of cultural activities and experiences through classroom and extra-curricular activities, trips and visits.

Collective worship/ whole school assembly/ tutor time

Our assemblies and tutor time activities uphold the traditional values of empathy, respect, understanding and tolerance and all students actively participate in supporting others via charity fundraising events.

R.E.

Recognising faiths and beliefs is promoted in R.E. as students gain a greater understanding of religious diversity and practices for those religions represented in the UK.

P.E.

We teach and reinforce the concept of ‘fair play in competition’ throughout all P.E. lessons and through our participation in national, local and inter-house sports competitions. The principles and practices of following rules, celebrating and rewarding success, accepting defeat, participating in activities that promote cooperation with others, and inclusion-for-all form an integral part of the P.E. core curriculum. Students take additional responsibility roles as Sports Leaders and House Sports Captains.

Prefects and Student Pupil Voice

At William Edwards School we encourage students to take responsibility for themselves, their peers and members of the wider community by undertaking roles as Pupil Voice advocates, prefects, mental health ambassadors and/or members of the school’s Student Executive body, or House representatives. All of these roles foster the awareness of and provide experience in: debate and discussion, group action to identify and address needs and concerns, and taking care of each other as groups and individuals.

Involvement in key local regional and national events:

At William Edwards School, we support students in taking part in a wide range of local, regional and national events. These include: Public speaking and debating competitions,  sports events, and the Jack Petchey Awards.

If you would like any further information or have any concerns regarding the promotion of British values at William Edwards School, please contact the Headteacher’s P.A. -

Mrs B Thompson : Thompsonb@wes.swecet.org

wes smsc and british values september 24.pdf