In November 2014, the DfE produced guidance for maintained schools on actively promoting British values as part of the requirement to provide for the Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) development of their students. The guidance says on page 5:
Schools should promote the fundamental British values of
- Democracy,
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.
How we promote SMSC and British Values at Eltham Hill School
The ethos of Eltham Hill school is focused on securing the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of our students and prepares our students for success in a modern Britain. A heavy reliance is placed upon broadening horizons for each and every student.
Through the Eltham Hill Learner Profile, we support all our students to be open-minded, principled, caring, reflective and resilient. Our school vision of excellence, happiness, and success is driven by our determination for our young women to achieve their personal best through respect for self and others. We focus on building self-esteem and encourage our young women to take every opportunity that supports their development as strong, confident young people.
Whilst our students are taught in a variety of different settings and grouping, teamwork is the key to our success. The development of healthy relationships within our school community is founded upon democratic principles, inclusion, the development of effective pastoral care and enhanced PSHE.
British Values in the EHS Curriculum
Modern British Values
At Eltham Hill School, we are dedicated to promoting values that ensure that our students develop a strong sense of social and moral responsibility. We prepare the students for life in Modern Britain because values such as individual liberty, democracy, the law, mutual respect and tolerance are embedded within the curriculum and the school ethos. In addition, these values are promoted at various times throughout the school year, and regularly in assemblies. Our school embodies a democratic model in the way we work, the way we are structured and our general ethos and culture in the school. Student voice plays a pivotal role in our school community and we have an active school council, head girl and student leadership team. Additionally, our rules and regulations are there for the benefit of everyone, and our school takes a holistic approach to teaching British Values rather than concentrating on individual subjects.
As school leaders and Governors, we are responsible for providing a curriculum which:
- Is broad and balanced, complies with legislation and provides a wide range of subjects which prepare students for the opportunities, responsibilities, and experiences of life in Modern Britain
- Actively promotes the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance
- Promotes respect for people of all faiths [or none], cultures and lifestyles through effective spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of students, supported by engaging students in extracurricular activity and volunteering in their local community
- Is supported by a well-rounded programme of assemblies which helps students develop a clear understanding of what is right and wrong.
We endeavour to ensure that students:
- Are reflective about their own beliefs and perspectives on life, and an acceptance of the extent to which they are the same as/different to others’ faith, feelings and values;
- Show an interest in investigating and offering reasoned views about moral and ethical issues, and appreciate the viewpoints of others;
- Have a sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning about the world around them and participate actively in artistic, sporting or cultural activities;
- Recognise the difference between right and wrong, understand that actions have consequences, and apply this in their own lives by respecting the law;
- Work together, celebrate diversity and resolve conflicts effectively;
Engage positively with life in a democracy; and
- Understand and appreciate the history, heritage and wide-ranging cultural influences that underpin our individual and shared experience of life in modern Britain.
Our school reflects British values in all that we do. We encourage our children to be creative, unique, open-minded and independent individuals, respectful of themselves and of others in our school, our local community and the wider world.
