Fundamental British Values

Ofsted guidelines from the September 2015 handbook.

'how the school prepares pupils positively for life in modern Britain and promotes the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith'

Evidence in school

First and foremost we are a fully inclusive Christian community. This is evident in our fair admissions policy, accepting a diverse range of students from different ethnic, social and religious backgrounds and those of no faith. All staff are asked about how they would feel about the promotion of the distinctly Christian faith as an integral part of school life at interview.

We have a rich, extensive, broad and balanced curriculum. The Religious Education curriculum teaches students about Christianity but also other major world faiths. The curriculum is designed to encourage open discussion and debate and does not shy away from the ethical and moral issues affecting young people and allows them to discuss and ask questions in a safe & respectful space.

 

We have a clear and relevant Equality Policy which is reviewed in the light of any recent legislative changes & staff have had 'Prevent' and anti-homophobia training. Our policies robustly address the challenge of any forms of prejudice and discrimination.

Throughout the curriculum we enable pupils to develop their health & mental wellbeing, their self-esteem and self-confidence. The ethos of the school enables pupils to distinguish right from wrong and our behaviour policy shows pupils how to accept responsibility for their behaviour, show initiative and to understand how they can contribute positively to their own lives & those of others, especially those less fortunate than themselves. We strongly encourage respect for democracy and support for participation in the democratic processes – for example in the school-wide participation of the Lewisham Young Mayor programme.

Our worship programme is distinctly Anglican; this means there is a deep emphasis on tolerance, respect and free thinking. Students are challenged by local, national and international issues and are giving freedom of thought and expression. In turn there is an expectation of respect & the demonstration of being able to listen and think about alternative points of view to one’s own.

Our Faith in Action programme helps students develop a sense of social responsibility locally, nationally and internationally. In our most recent SIAMS inspection, the inspector interviewed groups of students of the Christian faith, other faiths and no faith. The findings showed that all are valued and feel safe in school.

Our Character Education programme supports pupils and colleagues on developing character habits that will allow them to flourish in modern Britain & make a positive contribution to British society.

 

We also have a wide range of outside agencies and celebrations in school, local youth workers, independent careers advisors and links to fundraising charities to ensure that we actively, enthusiastically & rigorously promote a strong sense of the core values that are important to us as a Faith school in addition to the fundamental British values of kindness, respect for all & tolerance of those who may not share out individual opinions.