Promoting British Values at the Nottingham Girls' Academy

The DfE have 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.”

The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values have been reiterated by the Prime Minister this year. At the Nottingham Girls’ Academy, these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy:

The promotion of democracy is extensive within the Academy. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council, Head Girl voice, tutor representatives and pupil questionnaires. The elections of school councillors and tutor representatives are based solely on pupil votes. The Head Girl Campaign is run like a presidential election, where those shortlisted promote and deliver speeches to the whole school and every pupil and member of staff vote by the end of the week. Pupils are also consulted and contribute to the development of Academy policies, fundraising ideas and key changes to the Academy during pupil council meetings.

Mutual Respect:

NGA has high expectations of pupils, reflected in the Behaviour Policy and the Vision that underpins the work of the Academy. The Academy core and character building values allow pupils to engage more with others; staff, pupils and the community. Mutual respect is promoted through all lessons, registration and assemblies. Pupils engage in joint curriculum projects with pupils and teachers in the Academy from different cultural traditions; this enables pupils to acquire an appreciation of and respect for their own and other cultures.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:

This is achieved through enhancing pupils understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and community. Diversity is celebrated throughout the school for example our Black History and EID parties.  Registration tasks include discussions on prejudices, discrimination and most forms of bullying and such conversations are discussed in the curriculum arena. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the Academy. We use opportunities such as the Olympics and World Cup competitions to study other countries and in particular during Humanities lessons.

The Rule of Law:

The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the Academy, or the country are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, as well as when dealing with behavior and through Academy worship times. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Prison Officers are a part of our calendar and help reinforce this message.

Individual Liberty:

Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As an Academy, we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make choices through provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advise how to exercise these safely, for example through our PSHE registration tasks. Pupils are given the freedom to make choices, for example signing up for extra-curricular clubs, choosing the level of challenge in some lessons and deciding what to present to other pupils in year assemblies.

Please click here to see an overview of British Values at the Nottingham Girls' Academy.

Please click here to go to the Government British Values information.