Promoting Fundamental British Values   

In accordance with The Department for Education, The Helix Education Centre is committed to actively promote British values in schools to ensure young people leave school prepared for life in modern Britain. Pupils are encouraged to regard people of all faiths, races and cultures with respect and tolerance and understand that while different people may hold different views about what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, all people living in England are subject to its law.

The Key Values are:

• Democracy
• Rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect
• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

We aim to support our children on their journey through life in developing and demonstrating skills and attitudes that will allow them to participate fully in and contribute positively to life in modern Britain.

The Helix Education Centre promotes British Values through the spiritual, moral, social and cultural education which permeates through the curriculum and supports the development of the ‘whole child’. We recognise that such development is most successful when those values and attitudes are promoted by all staff and provide a model of behaviour for our children.

Pupils are taught about democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs in the curriculum offered at The Helix, particularly PHSE/Citizenship and RE.

The Helix Education Centre values the importance of facilitating opportunities to be part of the community as the students, families and staff have much to offer in the development of community cohesion.

To achieve this we:

• Challenge pupils, staff or parents who express opinions contrary to British values
• Provide pupils with a broad general knowledge of, and promote respect for, public institutions and services
• Teach pupils how they can influence decision-making through the democratic process
• Include in the curriculum information on the advantages and disadvantages of democracy and how it works in Britain
• Encourage pupils to become involved in decision-making processes and ensure they are listened to in school
• Help pupils to express their views through Pupil Voice
• Model how perceived injustice can be peacefully challenged through using a restorative approach to conflict resolution
• Ensure school rules and expectations are clear and fair
• Help pupils to distinguish right from wrong
• Help pupils to respect the law and the basis on which it is made
• Help pupils to understand that living under the rule of law protects individuals
• Include visits from the police across the year
• Teach pupils aspects of both civil and criminal law and discuss how this might differ from some religious laws
• Support pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence
• Encourage pupils to take responsibility for their behaviour, as well as knowing their rights
• Model freedom of speech through pupil participation, while ensuring protection of vulnerable pupils and promoting critical analysis of evidence
• Challenge stereotypes and implement a strong anti-bullying culture
• E-Safety throughout The Helix
• Promote respect for individual differences
• Help pupils to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life
• Challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour
• Develop links with faith and other communities
• Learning to disagree in a respectful way
• Develop critical personal thinking skills