British Values

Our approach to developing and deepening pupils’ understanding of British values

We believe the pursuit of engaging pupils with their personal responsibility and duty for civility, courtesy, respect and above all, tolerance, within statute and societal liberty, is our greatest purpose in educating our pupils within Great Yarmouth.

Our house system, including posts of responsibility for pupils, curriculum plans and daily assemblies continually promote the pursuit of equality of opportunity so that all pupils can achieve as a school community, understanding developing individual character is our school’s common purpose.

In developing pupils’ character, either through the curriculum, daily conversations, pastoral support and interventions we define as a set of virtues of Prudence, Justice, Temperance and Fortitude that informs their motivation and guides their conduct so that they reflect wisely, learn eagerly, behave with integrity and cooperate consistently well with others. This gives pupils the qualities they need to flourish in our society.

Our curriculum delivery continues to link our virtues to their learning about British values and what this means to our pupils who thrive in our school.

Democracy

At Great Yarmouth Charter Academy the principle of democracy is consistently reinforced, with the democratic process being employed for important decisions within the school community, for instance, elections being held for Head Pupils and House Leaders. In addition, Student Voice is a democratic process; feedback from House Leaders and senior pupils also help to shape and further improve the school. The principle of democracy is explored in History, religious education and assemblies.

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, as well as supporting pupils within an environment where they thrive, seen for example in school assemblies. Pupils are taught the values and reasons behind laws, firstly that they govern us and secondly they protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help reinforce this message. Our behaviour policy is rigorously upheld so that everyone in school recognises and understands that the rules of the school are applied fairly and consistently.

Individual liberty

Great Yarmouth Charter Academy pupils are actively encouraged to make independent choices knowing that they are in a safe, secure and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and an empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights, responsibilities and personal freedoms and receive advice about how to exercise these safely, for example through our exploration of the E- Safety programme in prep.

Mutual respect

Respect is at the core of our school ethos. We promote respect for others and this is reiterated through our classroom and learning environment. Pupils learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others and our behaviour policy exemplifies our basic belief in mutual respect. In line with our commitment to democracy, pupils are always able to voice their opinions and we foster an environment where pupils are safe to disagree with each other and to deal with conflict.  Achievement is celebrated across the school in many different ways, ranging from contact home, public recognition and certificates, to postcards and awards from the staff.

Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

Pupils are encouraged to share their faith and beliefs within the school. Our curriculum teaches our pupils about different religions and non-religious belief systems. 

Radicalisation

Our Academy has adopted the Government’s policy on Radicalisation and Extremism. Additionally, safeguarding processes are reviewed to ensure that there is clear, established and shared procedure for referrals of this nature to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or Operational Lead. 

We also believe that the Equality Act provides a framework to support our commitment to valuing diversity, tackling discrimination, promoting equality of opportunity and fostering good relationships between people. It also ensures that we continue to tackle issues of disadvantage and underachievement of different groups.

We are committed to ensuring equality of opportunity in line with the Equality Act 2010. We want to reduce disadvantages, discrimination and inequalities of opportunity, and promote diversity in terms of our students, our workforce and the community in which we work.

Read our equality information and objectives statement to find out more