The Department for Education (DfE) introduced a statutory duty for schools to promote British Values and to ensure these values are taught in schools.
Broadland High Ormiston Academy (BHOA) understands and embraces its role in serving its community. We recognise the multi-cultural, multi-faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom. We have an important role in ensuring that groups or individuals within our academy are not subjected to intimidation, bullying or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.
We follow 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. At BHOA, we are dedicated to preparing students for their adult life beyond the formal, examined curriculum, and learning about and understanding British Values supports students to do this.
The examples that follow show how we seek to embed British values at BHOA and aim to provide an insight into our approach rather than an exhaustive list.
Students are given the opportunity at BHOA to have their voices heard and experience democracy first hand and learn about its role in wider society. Students get to vote within their year groups annually to nominate their ‘Student Voice’ representatives as well to nominate their form and sports captains. Democracy is also a theme that is explored through year group assemblies and the PSHE curriculum. Students’ views are regularly sought on a range of academy matters with students actively encouraged to engage in the decision-making process.
The importance of the law, whether this is the rules and expectations that govern our academy or the laws of the country, we consistently reinforce the importance of respecting and upholding these at BHOA. The academy works closely with the local Police, law professionals and a wide range of community groups and stakeholders to ensure that students fully understand the law and the importance of demonstrating positive attitudes, being responsible citizens and behaving responsibly and appropriately in the local and wider community. The academy PSHE curriculum provides all students with a good insight into the law and covers a wide range of topics that broaden their knowledge and understanding.
Students at BHOA are encouraged to share their views and opinions and are actively encouraged to make independent choices in a safe, secure and supportive environment. The academy student voice team regularly meets with the Principal and have the opportunity to share their views and opinions as well as feeding back decisions through their year group assemblies. Students are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights, responsibilities and personal freedoms and receive advice and guidance about how to exercise these safely and appropriately.
At BHOA our CORE values are underpinned by self-respect and respect for others. The academy Behaviour for Learning policy outlines a clear expectation that all students should be polite and respectful, treating others as they wish to be treated themselves. We are committed to listening to the views and opinions of our students and emphasise the importance of them taking the same approach with others. We foster an environment where students know that it is acceptable to hold an opinion which differs from others’ and feel safe and empowered to respectfully disagree with each other.
Students develop mutual respect through many aspects of the curriculum which include fair play in PE, an understanding of different views and beliefs through REP and PSHE as well as charity fundraising and working in partnership with the local community and range of other stakeholders.
We are fully committed to developing every students’ understanding of their place in our culturally diverse society as well as providing opportunities to experience this first hand. The PSHE and REP curriculum provide all students with a broad and balanced insight into a range of faiths, beliefs and cultures, with students encouraged to develop tolerance, understanding and compassion.
BHOA offers students across all year groups an extensive range of enrichment opportunities that include overseas trips and visits to gain a valuable insight into the cultures and languages of other countries; this includes both European and worldwide opportunities.