Promoting British Values
The school’s mission statement of “Quality, Opportunity & Success for all” sums up our commitment to the core values of equality and respect for all. At NFOLC we promote British values in a variety of ways. These values are taught explicitly through our PSHCE curriculum.
The examples that follow are an indication of some of the ways we embed British values at NFOLC and should be seen as an indication of our approach rather than an exhaustive list.
Democracy
NFOLC students have a voice. During PSHE, pastoral sessions and tutor time activities, students are encouraged to learn about the importance of being part of a community and having their say over decisions that affect them. As a way of embedding the school values of Teamwork, Resilience, Enjoyment, Engagement and Self-confidence, students are encouraged to plan appropriate activity-based days that support the development of these values. Previously, students have used their voice to suggest a team-building day at Moors Valley country park and a Paddle Sports day at Spinnaker Lakes. These proposals are heard during assemblies and voted on by the student body.
Upholding the Law
NFOLC consistently reinforces the importance of laws and rules, whether they govern a class, the school or the country. Laws and rules are also reinforced through assemblies. Students are taught the values of laws and rules, the reasons behind them and the consequences that apply when they are broken.
Tolerance of Others
The various churches and faith groups that call Britain home are all a key part of the Religious Education curriculum. We strive to improve our students’ understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity in school. Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying are supported by learning in PSHE.
Individual Liberty
Students are actively encouraged to think about and make good and right choices in their daily lives in and out of school. We provide students with a safe and secure environment that supports them in making the right choices via a balanced curriculum. Students are encouraged to get involved in activities that support the local community and the preservation of the natural environment.
Mutual respect
Respect is at the core of our school ethos and is modelled by students and staff alike. The school promotes respect for others and this is reiterated through our classroom and learning environments. Our school ethos and behaviour policy revolves around Core Values: Honesty, Dignity, Care and Respect. Students are part of discussions and assemblies related to what these mean and how they are shown. Our ethos promotes respect for others and this is reiterated through our individual classroom rules, as well as our behaviour policy. The following ‘Charter of Rights’ and ‘Expectations for All’ sets out these expectations.
Charter of Rights
In NFOLC
- Every student has the right to learn
- Every teacher has the right to teach
- We all have the right to feel and be safe
- We all have the right to dignity and respect
Students, parents/carers and staff all have responsibilities associated with these rights.
Expectations for All Students
Students will:
- Treat everyone with respect
- Be fully engaged in all learning opportunities
- Work to the best of their ability
Mutual respect is embraced throughout the curriculum from the concept of ‘fair play’ in PE to the PSHE and pastoral sessions which promote respect and support between students across different year groups within the school.