British Values

At the Beacon of Light School, we aim to prepare our students for life in modern Britain by ensuring that our curriculum and approach to teaching and learning reflect and promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

We recognise that these values are not exclusive to being British and that they have come to be accepted throughout the democratic world.

We understand the role our school has in helping prevent extremism or radicalisation and supporting our students in developing a world view recognising Britain’s place within it.

British values are addressed across the curriculum, particularly in GCSE Citizenship, through our tutor time programme, themed days, extra-curricular and enrichment activities.

Democracy

Student voice is a key driving force within our school; all students have the opportunity as an individual, as a member of a tutor group and within subject areas, to influence decision making and to have a voice. Students understand that they must use this voice responsibly.

All students are regularly consulted, via the student council, and have the opportunity to have their voice heard.

Through PSHRE lessons and our assembly and tutor time programme, students are able to consider how democracy and the law works in Britain and contrast this to other forms of government in other countries. General or local elections are used to provide students with the opportunity to learn about democracy and politics in Britain.

The Rule of Law

Students in our school understand the need for rules in order to establish a happy and safe environment. Our behaviour policy is shared and understood and this provides a basis on which we discuss other laws and rules.

An understanding of the importance of rules is consistently reinforced through our reward system, our assemblies, our curriculum and our extra-curricular activities.

Students are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when rules and laws are broken.

We work closely with our local community police officers.

Individual Liberty

Our students are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. Through our Life Skills and PSHRE curriculum, we encourage students to explore their rights and personal freedoms, as well as supporting them in recognising how to exercise these freedoms safely.

Independent thinking and learning are encouraged in all subjects and there are frequent opportunities for students to grow in maturity and independence. We place an emphasis on respecting difference and valuing creativity.

Mutual respect

All members of our school treat each other with respect. We recognise the importance of not only respecting one another, but also of respecting one’s self. This is reinforced through our classroom expectations and our rewards and behaviour policy. Students learn how their behaviour has an impact on themselves and also on others.

We have a clear Anti-Bullying policy, which emphasises the importance of creating an environment both within the school and the wider world in which individuals can feel safe and valued.

Topics such as equal rights and healthy relationships are covered within the PSHRE curriculum, as well as covering all the main faith groups; looking at various aspects of different religious beliefs to help students to develop greater understanding and tolerance.

Our enrichment activities focus on building self-esteem and self-respect. They also include team-building and leadership activities.

Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

We celebrate difference and diversity and aim to create an understanding of how this adds to the richness of our community.

We believe that exploring and understanding other people’s faiths and beliefs are rewarding experiences. At our school, we strongly believe that tolerance is gained through knowledge and understanding. This is achieved through enhancing students understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by providing them with opportunities to experience diversity.

Our PSHRE curriculum covers all the main faith groups; looking at various aspects of different religious beliefs to help students to develop greater understanding and tolerance.