British Values Statement
Kettering Science Academy is committed to serving its community. It recognises the multi-cultural, multi faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom. It also understands the vital role it has in ensuring that groups or individuals within the Academy are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.
The Academy accepts admissions from all those entitled to an education under British law, including pupils of all faiths or none. It follows the policies outlined by the Brooke Weston Trust regarding equal opportunities, which guarantee that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or similar. It seeks to serve all.
The Government emphasises that schools are required to ensure that key ‘British Values’ are taught in all UK schools. The government set out its definition of British values in the ‘Prevent Strategy’ – values of:
- democracy
- the rule of law
- individual liberty
- mutual respect
- tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
The academy uses strategies within the National Curriculum and beyond to secure such outcomes for pupils. Here are some examples of when British values are shared:
Curriculum themes and topics
Our curriculum prepares children for life in British Society; this includes developing the understanding and use of money, effective reading and writing skills, collaboration and discussion to research ideas and concepts. Curriculum themes include historical and geographical study in the context of the United Kingdom as well as national and international comparisons. Topic examples are: World War II and its impact, the Seaside, The Great Fire of London, Votes for Women and World History.
Whole school assembly
Our assemblies uphold traditional values of empathy, respect and tolerance and these are reflected in the Five Rules of the Academy. Local religious leaders are invited to take assemblies as does the local PCSO and other uniformed public services, all of whom reinforce these traditional values.
Personal Development
Mutual respect is also taught within formal Personal Development and RE lessons and on an informal nature throughout the Academy days. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety policy and PSHE work on 'Keeping myself safe'. Students participate in regular citizen-based activities as well as STEAM events.
RE
Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs is promoted in RE as children gain a greater understanding of religious diversity and practices for those religions represented in the UK. Planning for RE is directed by the Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE) - Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education.
The local places of worship are visited as part of the RE curriculum. RE is studied by all students at Key stage 3 while students can choose to study ethics at GCSE.
PE
Promotion of the concept of 'fair play', following and developing rules, celebrating and rewarding success, accepting defeat and participating in activities that promote cooperation with others and inclusion for all form an integral part of the PE curriculum.
School Council
The Academy promotes democratic processes through the election of school council members. This fosters the concept of freedom of speech and group action to address needs and concerns. KSA also has Anti-Bullying Ambassadors trained through The Diana Award - Anti-Bullying Ambassador programme.
Involvement in key local and national events:
Over the years, we have celebrated the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II and the weddings of Prince William and Kate Middleton and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with special events, assemblies and themed lessons. Each year Armistice Day is remembered by a whole school assembly led by the Principal. The whole school takes part in the National Day of Remembrance and children are encouraged to reflect on this. Each year the Academy holds fundraising activities for Children in Need, Sports Relief and Comic Relief as well as local charities.
For further information of how we seek to promote key British Values please contact the Academy.