British Values

Archbishop Beck Catholic College 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 college are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.

The college 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

Although this list is not exhaustive, we believe it encapsulates the attitudes of Archbishop Beck Catholic College values and seeks to inculcate in its young people.

The college 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 students 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: World War II, the Seaside, The Great Fire of London and Florence Nightingale.

Daily acts of collective worship / whole school assembly

Our assemblies uphold traditional values of empathy, respect and tolerance.

Citizenship

Within citizenship students are involved in developing their understanding of democracy within the UK, and parliamentary processes. They also look at the process of creating laws to protect citizens within the UK. Comparisons are also made to other political systems throughout the world.

PSHE

Mutual respect is also taught within PSHE and RE lessons and on an informal nature throughout the college days. Students 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.

RE

Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs is promoted in RE as students gain a greater understanding of religious diversity and practices for those religions represented in the UK.

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 college promotes democratic processes through the election of school councillors. This fosters the concept of freedom of speech and group action to address need and concerns.

Involvement in key local and national events

The college is actively involved in many local and national events.