Our Academy

Promoting British Values at Smith's Wood Academy

At Smith’s Wood Academy, we strive to model the importance of our shared British Values.

Across the curriculum we 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. Although these are the key fundamental British values, we feel that there is more to being British, and we therefore ensure we teach a full and rounded curriculum that prepared students for life in modern Britain.

We promote and encourage pupil voice across the school. Below are just a few examples of where you will find democracy in action.

Democracy

Students gain an understanding of how democracy works through activity encouraged to be part in the decision making process of school life. Students are encouraged to actively participate in student voice activities both collectively in tutor time discussions and individually through the rotation of attendance at Tutor Rep discussions. Students have the opportunity to have their voice heard through Student Council and Student Questionnaires. Students experience a varied curriculum which encourages students to develop a respect for the democratic process and a sound understanding of how they can influence the decision making process.

Individual Liberty

At Smith’s Wood, all pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school, we educate and provide boundaries for students to make informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely. Whether it is through choice of challenge, or how they record participation in our numerous extracurricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.

The Rule of Law

The importance of the law, whether they are those that govern the class, the school, or the country, is consistently reinforced at Smith’s Wood. School rules are designed to mirror and reflect the laws of the land and to positively reinforce the values and reasons behind the rules and laws that govern and protect us. The behaviour for learning policy embedded at Smith’s Wood enables students to develop a sound understanding of the respectabilities and consequences that go with the rule of law and an appreciation of how the rule of law protect our wellbeing and safety. Visits from authorities such as the police school liaison officer help to reinforce this message and to strengthen respect for the public institutions.

Mutual Respect

Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Students learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community are expected to treat each other with respect.

Tolerance of Those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

Smith’s Wood Academy, like society at large, is diverse and as such we place great emphasis on promoting diversity with the students. Assemblies and tutor activities are regularly planned to address this issue either directly through the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures. In addition, our curriculum reinforced the message of tolerance and respect for each other. All members of the school community are encouraged to share their knowledge of different and religious to enhance learning.

Opinions that are contrary to fundamental British values whether expressed by students, staff, parent/carers are actively challenged.

Our Academy

Promoting British Values at Smith's Wood Academy

At Smith’s Wood Academy, we strive to model the importance of our shared British Values.

Democracy

Individual Liberty

The Rule of Law

Mutual Respect

Tolerance of Those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

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