British Values
Academy Vision
Since 1588 Joyce Frankland Academy, Newport has been serving its community and educating the young people of Uttlesford to become good members of the ‘common wealth’. The Academy embraces the multi-cultural, multi faith and ever-changing society of the United Kingdom and aims to ensure its students are prepared to make their contribution to it.
Position Statement
We recognise that Britain is a united nation where freedom of speech is an entitlement for all and we strive to ensure that all members of the Academy are treated with respect when sharing their views and opinions. It is our aim that the core ‘British Values’ set out by government to be delivered in schools (2011 Prevent Strategy) are not only embedded within our curriculum but are actively demonstrated in our every day practice.
The five British Values are:
· Democracy
· The rule of law
· Individual liberty
· Mutual respect
· Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs.
Democracy
From the election of the Head boy and Girl to the choice of the Academy’s charities we rely on democratic process. This is not restricted to ‘giving people a vote’ but also encourages people to present a case and involve themselves in educated debate about the issues at hand. Reporting back on issues discussed and representing others is a core part of this process. The principle of democracy is also explored in the History curriculum as well as in form time and assemblies.
The rule of law
The importance of laws, whether they are those that govern the class, the school, or the country are consistently reinforced at Joyce Frankland Academy, Newport. The rules and expectations of the Academy are made clear to all stakeholders as is people’s duty to uphold them and identify those people who do not. We believe in a culture of reparative justice where ‘rule breakers’ are given every opportunity to repair relationships or correct any wrongs. Students are given opportunity to take part in debates and Law is a topic covered in assemblies and form time, some students take part in local and regional mock trial competitions. We also work closely with outside agencies including Essex police, the fire service and other organisations to promote understanding of rules and their consequences in wider society. The rules of law both here and abroad are covered in the curriculum through History, English and Religious Education.
Individual liberty
At Joyce Frankland Academy, Newport, we provide students with a safe and secure environment where they can express their individual views and opinions. Independent thinking and creating opportunities are part of what we believe Dame Joyce Frankland meant when she set up a school to create ‘good members of the common wealth’. We encourage students to learn about both their rights and personal freedoms, but also the contrasts between those we take for granted and those in other parts of the world. We take pride in demonstrating the liberty we have as a nation and how we should all be respectful of others points of views whilst being vigilant of those views which could lead to discrimination, radicalisation or extremism. All subjects within the curriculum try at appropriate times to provide students opportunities to individually express themselves. We also ensure that the right to individual thought and free speech is taken responsibly and safely, for example through ensuring students are fully aware of the internet and e-safety. Joyce Frankland Academy, Newport has a robust anti-bullying culture and has in place comprehensive student discipline policies.
Mutual Respect
Expressing individual views is an important part of our learning culture but it must always be conducted in conjunction with respecting the views and rights of others. The Academy follows 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. Joyce Frankland Academy, Newport is dedicated to preparing students for their lives beyond school and ensuring that it promotes and reinforces British values to all its students and a mutual respect of the views of others.
Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
All students at Joyce Frankland Academy, Newport follow a curriculum of religious education and citizenship where a broad range of faiths, beliefs and cultures are discussed, investigated and learnt about. All students are given opportunity to visit places of worship outside their own belief system within the UK. This aids students in understanding their role in a culturally diverse society. We have a strong international programme where we arrange for visitors from other countries, sometimes with a different belief system, to visit the Academy and provide our students with opportunities to be a part of other cultures. These programmes are linked to many subject areas and have in the past included cultural exchanges based around sport, architecture, food, music and business.
British values in the wider sense:
The British Army
Many of our students are from the local army barracks and our links with them are a key part of our identity. A member of staff from the regiment sits on our governing body and we try to work jointly with the barracks on projects of benefit to the local area. A number of our students are Nepalese and are the children of Ghurkha’s serving in the British forces; we see their role as integral in demonstrating how multi cultural Britain works.
Charity work
Our students recognise that a core British value is recognising and supporting those less fortunate than themselves. Our students choose charities to represent which are both local national and international and all students are given opportunity to take part in charity work.
Britishness Days and the international programme
As an Academy we have an international programme which also focuses on the impact Britain has had around the world, both currently and historically. All subject areas contribute to these days and help develop an understanding of Britain in the wider community.