Part two: Personal and Professional Conduct of the teachers’ standards states that:
“Teachers uphold public trust in the profession and maintain high standards of ethics and behaviour, within and outside school, by:
- not undermining fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs”
The phrase ‘Fundamental British values’ is taken from the definition of extremism as articulated in the new Prevent Strategy, which was launched in June 2011.
At Woodfields we promote British Values in a number of ways:
- Through the curriculum
- PSHE and citizenship
- RE
- National curriculum areas including English, history and geography
- Through SMSC – which forms a big part of what we do
- Through the general ethos and atmosphere of the school
Through SMSC and the general ethos of the school
At Woodfields we put a very big emphasis on the Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development of our pupils. We also ensure that these elements are at the forefront of staff members’ minds through staff meetings, briefings and display boards.
Proposed SMSC topics for 2023/2024 to be covered include: Recycling Day; Bonfire Night; Remembrance Day; World Kindness Day; Children in Need; World Book Day; Red Nose Day; Earth Day; Race for Life; Pride.
Our Mission Statement also includes Thinking of Others, Belonging and Finding a Voice which all directly relate to the concept of Fundamental British Values.
Other examples of promoting British Values
Although we currently do not have a school council, we do involve the pupils in interviewing prospective teaching staff.
From January 2024 we will be reintroducing our school council.