British Values

London Academy is committed to serving its community.

We recognise not only the importance of allowing students to flourish academically but we also embrace our wider role in preparing them for adult life beyond the formal examined curriculum. Part of our role in that preparation is ensuring that we promote and reinforce British values to our students.

Our mission statement states that students from London Academy will be among the leaders for tomorrow. By providing a safe and supportive environment, London Academy aims to develop in its students, skills and values which will enable them to live their lives as respectful, caring and responsible citizens.

Our core values are continuously shared and reinforced with students. They are visibly on show in all classrooms and in student planners:

  • Respect
  • Responsibility for ourselves and others
  • Integrity (honesty and respect)
  • Good citizens
  • Creativity
  • Scholarship

The Academy accepts admissions from all those entitled to an education under British law, including students of all faiths or none. As a diverse school, we recognise the multi-cultural, multi-faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom. We follow equal opportunities guidance which guarantees that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or similar. We also understand and recognise our vital role in ensuring that groups or individuals within the academy are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.

Our curriculum prepares children for life in British Society; this includes developing the understanding and use of money, effective reading and writing skills, collaboration and discussion to research ideas and concepts. Curriculum themes include historical and geographical study in the context of the United Kingdom as well as national and international comparisons.

The Government emphasises that schools are required to ensure that key ‘British Values’ are taught in all UK schools. The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy and this was reinforced in 2014: promoting British Values as part of SMSC in Schools. These new regulations sit alongside the requirements of the Equalities Act.

The five British Values are:
1. Democracy
2. The rule of law
3. Individual liberty
4. Mutual respect
5. Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

London Academy uses strategies within the curriculum and beyond to secure these outcomes for students. Here are some examples of when British values are shared:

Democracy

At London Academy the principle of democracy is consistently reinforced through the curriculum and beyond. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our Student Council and student questionnaires. We know that the formation of the school council and the active participation of our pupils will sow the seeds for a more sophisticated understanding of democracy in the future.

  • The principle of democracy is explored within the curriculum and especially in History and Religious Studies.
  • Democracy is a central theme in assemblies.
  • Student questionnaires and interviews are conducted throughout the year supporting our quality assurance process and informing planning.
  • Students are actively involved in the interview process of new staff.
  • Student voice led to the promotion of LGBT understanding; Anti-Bullying Week.
  • Students were active in the design of the new toilets and the selection of our catering services.

The Rule of Law

Our students will encounter rules and laws throughout their entire lives. We want our students to understand that whether these laws govern the class, the school, the neighbourhood or the country, they are set for good reasons and must be adhered to. 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 laws are broken.

This understanding of the importance of rules will be consistently reinforced through assemblies and our curriculum.

  • The involvement of our pupils in the creation of the school rules helps them to understand the reasons behind the rules and the consequences if they are broken.
  • Through philosophical enquiry in our philosophy for learning lessons, we allow opportunity to debate and discuss the reasons for laws so that children can recognise the importance of these for their own protection.
  • Throughout the year we welcome visits from members of the wider community including police, war veterans, the fire brigade and many more. We believe that clear explanations and real life stories emphasise the importance of the rule of law for our pupils.

Individual Liberty

We invest a great deal of time in creating a positive culture in our school, so that students are in a safe environment where choices and freedoms are encouraged. At the Academy we believe that valuing choice and freedom in daily school life will foster a value for individual liberty as the students embark upon their adult lives. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for students to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and an empowering education. Students are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights, responsibilities and personal freedoms and receive advice about how

  • In lessons, learning tasks are often left for the child to decide upon. We encourage children to choose the task that will challenge them, giving them more freedom to determine their own learning.
  • We offer a range of extra-curricular opportunities which pupils have the freedom to choose from, based on their interests.
  • Students are free to choose option choices at Key Stage 4.
  • Through our assemblies and PSHEE programme we educate children on their rights and personal freedoms as well as supporting them in recognising how to exercise these freedoms safely.

Mutual respect

Mutual respect is at the core of our school life, forming a key value. Students learn to treat each other and staff with respect. Students learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. In line with our commitment to democracy students are always able to voice their opinions and we foster an environment where students are safe to disagree with each other. Mutual respect is embraced throughout the curriculum.

  • This is evident when walking around the Academy and in the classrooms.
  • Assemblies promote respect.
  • Posters in every classroom signpost respect as a core value.
  • Respect forms part of our Mission Statement displayed in all classrooms.
  • Respect is reiterated through our classroom and learning rules, as well as our Behaviour Policy.
  • Our peer mentoring programme promotes mutual respect and support between students across different year groups within the school.

Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

London Academy is a culturally diverse school. At the Academy we strongly believe that tolerance is gained through knowledge and understanding. This is achieved through equipping students with the ability to understand their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity within the school community. Through our curriculum and the routines of our daily school life, we strive to demonstrate tolerance and help students to become knowledgeable and understanding citizens who can build a better Britain for the future – Leaders for Tomorrow.

  • Our Religious Studies curriculum provides a broad and balanced education on a range of faiths, religions and cultures.
  • We also run a number of trips abroad throughout the academic year from which our students gain valuable experience of other cultures and languages.
  • Students are actively encouraged to share their faith and beliefs within the school: Ramadan; World Religions Week; Black History Month.
  • Members of different faiths and religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.
  • Students visit places of worship that are important to different faiths.
  • We actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures.
  • Assemblies are regularly planned to address this issue either directly or through the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures.
  • Opportunity is provided for daily prayer.