Promoting British Values: Our Commitment to Diversity, Respect, and Tolerance in Education

The Department of Education has recently reinforced the need “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.”

Our curriculum promotes respect, tolerance and diversity. Children are encouraged to express themselves through discussions, debates and consultations. The RP (Religious Philosophy), PSHCE (Personal, Social, Citizenship and Health Education), and SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural) provision is embedded across the curriculum and underpins the ethos of our school. Children learn about all major faiths and visit places of worship wherever possible at KS3 and KS4. Radicalisation and the dangers around extremism are delivered within units of our life programme through a specialist team of teachers.  They are also taught about how to stay safe when using the internet within ICT lessons in KS3, tutor time, assemblies, extra sessions and during IT lessons.

Although serious incidents involving radicalisation have not occurred at William Brookes School to date, it is important for us to be constantly vigilant and remain fully informed about the issues which affect the region in which we teach. Staff are reminded to suspend any professional disbelief that instances of radicalisation ‘could not happen here’ and to refer any concerns through the child protection/safeguarding designated leads.