Part of the Glyn Academies Trust

British Values

 

We will instil aspiration and high expectations for learning to empower every child to become a successful citizen of the world through excellence in all that we do. 

 

At William Morris School, it is our belief that we are creating future adults with the skills and inclination to leave a positive impact on the world – anywhere in the world. Our Global Values underpin our commitment to ensuring that when they leave William Morris School, our children are true Global Citizens regardless of their background or any protected characteristics. We teach and expect every child to demonstrate high levels of personal integrity, confidence, and articulacy that they will carry with them throughout their lives.  

Our Global Values 

  • Appreciation 
  • Compassion 
  • Creativity 
  • Curiosity 
  • Determination 
  • Excellence 
  • Grit 
  • Leadership 
  • Resilience 
  • Respect 
  • Responsibility 
  • Teamwork 

Our Social, Moral, Spiritual, and Cultural (SMSC) Education offer is interwoven throughout our curriculum. We honour both our statutory obligations regarding taught content and our dedication to the realisation of our school vision. The table below gives an overview of the components of our SMSC offer. All given components are embedded in the weekly timetable. 

SMSC 

Religious Education 

Health & Relationships Education 

Global Citizenship (PSHE) 

  • Assemblies 

  • In-class follow-up 

  • Big Ideas board 

  • Weekly lessons 

Global Values 

Votes for Schools 

  • Assemblies 

  • Embedded through curriculum 

  • Weekly Assemblies

  • In-class follow-up

All National Curriculum objectives within SMSC and Fundamental British Values are taught through the discussion-based Votes for Schools programme (see SMSC policy for details).  

As of September 2020, teaching of Relationships and Sex Education is a statutory requirement for all schools. At William Morris School, this is referred to as Health and Relationships Education, or HRE. For details of content, please see the HRE curriculum document which covers all statutory learning points as set out by the Department for Education. The HRE curriculum document was developed in consideration of the Equality Act 2010, the SEND Code of Practice 2014, and William Morris School’s Equality Statement. 

The Department for Education states that there is a 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 teaching of Fundamental British Values is a requirement in all UK schools. 

The Department for Education defines British Values in the Prevent Strategy (2011) as follows:  

  • Respect for democracy and support or participation in the democratic process  
  • Respect for the basis on which the law is made and applies in England  
  • Support for equality of opportunity for all  
  • Support and respect for the liberties of all within the law  
  • Respect for and tolerance of different faiths and religious and other beliefs. 

William Morris School is committed to serving our community. We recognise the multi-cultural, multi faith, ever-changing societal landscape of the United Kingdom. We understand the vital role schools have in ensuring that groups or individuals within the school are not subjected to intimidation 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. William Morris School is dedicated to preparing children for their adult life beyond the formal examined curriculum and ensuring that it promotes and reinforces British Values to all its children.  

We promote British Values in the following ways:  

DEMOCRACY  

  • All children are encouraged to debate topics of interest, express their views and make a meaningful contribution to the running of the school on matters that directly involve pupils. Children also have the opportunity to have their voices heard through pupil questionnaires and pupil surveys.  

  • The principle of democracy is explored in the curriculum as well as during assemblies and special days. Members of the Pupil Leadership Team are elected through a secret ballot in classrooms.  

RULE OF LAW  

  • Our school rules are based on our value of Excellence. Our rules are embedded in our learning and ethos every day.  

  • School rules and expectations are clear, fair and regularly promoted.  

  • Pupils are always helped to distinguish right from wrong, in the classroom, during assemblies and on the playground.  

  • Morality, ethics, and the implications in national law are defined, debated, and discussed during RE assemblies. Children have the opportunity to reflect on these issues. 

  • Pupils are encouraged to respect the law. William Morris School enjoys visits from authorities such as the Police, Fire Service, Ambulance, etc. to present and explore this message. 

  • The Behaviour and Anti-Bullying policies set out a zero-tolerance baseline for any form of aggression, abuse or violence, which extends to pupils, staff and parents and carers.  

INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY  

  • Within school, pupils are actively encouraged, and given the freedom to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. eg. by signing up for extra-curricular clubs.  

  • Our values are woven throughout our curriculum and we have a curriculuar focus on oracy and presentation; as such, pupils are supported to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence. 

  • Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their behaviour and our pastoral support reinforces the importance of making the right choices.  

  • Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our e-safety teaching and HRE lessons.  

  • Vulnerable pupils are protected and stereotypes challenged. A strong anti-bullying culture is embedded in the school and any form of bullying is challenged and addressed. The school governing body has taken an active role in this and the results of a whole-school pupil survey were widely published. The school also operates a robust system of logging incidents.  

  • Pupils have key roles and responsibilities in school e.g. House Captains, Play Leaders, Anti-bullying Ambassadors, Pupil Leadership Team etc.  

MUTUAL RESPECT AND TOLERANCE OF THOSE WITH DIFFERENT FAITHS AND BELIEFS  

  • Respect and appreciation are two of our Global Values. The pupils know and understand that it is expected that respect is shown to everyone, adults and children.  

  • Pupils are helped to acquire an understanding and appreciation of their own and other cultures and ways of life.  

  • Staff and pupils are taught to challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour.  

  • Links and visits are promoted with local faith communities and places of worship. Leaders and members of different faiths or are invited to school to share their knowledge and enhance learning in assemblies and class.  

  • Through the HRE and RE curricula pupils are encouraged to discuss and respect differences between people, such as differences of faith, ethnicity, disability, gender or sexuality and diverse family situations.  

  • Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudiced-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE and HRE.  

  • We offer a culturally-rich and diverse curriculum in which all major world religions are studied and appreciated. Global Citizenship is embedded in many of our STEAM Curriculum topics. 

  • An integral part of our pedagogy is offering children the time to reflect on our core values and British Values.  

  • Global Citizenship is promoted through discrete Votes for Schools lessons. Please see the SMSC policy for full details.