British Values

Promoting Fundamental British Values

Ormiston Meridian Academy (OMERA) approaches the promotion of fundamental British Values in line with the Government PREVENT theme of the anti-terrorist strategy CONTEST. These British Values are; democracy; individual liberty; the rule of law; mutual respect; tolerance of those with different faiths and belief.

Each is defined below and placed in an academy context through the use of examples. It is, without question, everyone’s duty to ensure they do not undermine these fundamental British values as detailed in the current Teacher Standards Part Two: Personal and Professional Conduct.

Every curriculum area within the Academy has a detailed overview of how they promote fundamental British values in their lessons. Details of these are available upon request.

Democracy

At OMERA we promote the importance of democracy through such things as:

• The free and fair process for student positions of responsibility (eg. prefects and peer mentors)
• Students being encouraged to consider alternative pathways in lessons
• Student Voice on key academy decisions

Individual liberty

At OMERA we promote the importance of individual liberty through such things as:

• The increased liberty afforded to students as they move up through the years
• The profusion of extra-curricular activities and clubs, including career planning / readiness in year 10
• Students encouraged to voice views in a formative manner
• Students offered autonomy over choices regarding academic pathways
• Elements of choice in the Academy canteen with healthy boundaries

Rule of Law

At OMERA we promote the importance of the rule of law through such things as:

• Shared Academy ‘non-negotiables’ for staff and students
• Marking and feedback, as well as homework, policies set clear boundaries that are explained clearly to students
• Accountability is stressed to all stakeholders including staff (teacher’s standards and performance management), students (non-negotiables) and Governors

Mutual Respect

At OMERA we promote the importance of mutual respect through such things as:

• The Academies shared vision
• The publishing and enforcement of a smart dress code for all students
• Clear guidance on expectations of good behaviour in and around the Academy
• Wellbeing promotes mutual respect through the skills developed in lessons, assemblies and the repetition of related content during PSHE sessions once a fortnight) and in the personal development programme
• The SMSC programme is evidenced throughout form time activities, assemblies and curriculum areas where appropriate

Tolerance

At OMERA we promote the importance of tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs through such things as:

• ‘Game on’ project facilitating an understanding and tolerance of different faiths
• Having an EAL coordinator working with students from a range of different ethnic backgrounds
• Whole academy celebrations often have an underlying multi-cultural theme
• The academy supports and recognises the importance or Eid and the religious observance of the Muslim students
• Tolerance of others views and beliefs is discussed during SMSC form time sessions
• Religious studies taught to students across both key stages
• Deliver Moral Studies as part of the academy PSHE programme