The friends of bourne
Promoting British Values
Bourne Community College (BCC) is committed to serving its community. It recognises the multi-cultural, multi-faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom. It also understands the vital role it has in ensuring that groups or individuals within the school are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.
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. BCC is dedicated to preparing students for their adult life beyond the formal examined curriculum and ensuring that it promotes and reinforces British values to all its students.
The Government emphasises that schools are required to ensure that key ‘British Values’ are taught in all UK schools.
The five British Values are:
- Democracy
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Mutual respect
- Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
The examples that follow show some of the many ways BCC seeks to embed British values.
Democracy
The principle of democracy is consistently being reinforced at BCC, with democracy processes being used for important decisions within the school community, for instance, elections being held for year council and school council positions. The principle of democracy is also explored in the history and RE curriculum as well as in form time and assemblies.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at BCC.
Students are taught the rules and expectations of the school. Students are taught the value and the reasons behind laws that govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police reinforce this message.
Individual Liberty
At BCC, students are actively encouraged to make independent choices, with the knowledge that they are in a safe, secure and supportive environment. Staff at BCC educate and provide boundaries for students to make informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education.
Students are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised on how to exercise these safely, for example through e-safety and Citizenship &
Personal Development (also known as PSHE).
BCC has a robust anti-bullying culture and has in place a comprehensive Behaviour Policy.
Mutual Respect
Respect is a strong part of BCC and is part of its values. Students learn that their behaviours has an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect and this is reiterated through its teaching and learning environments. The college has already earned the UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools Award at Level 1 and assemblies regularly focus on issues such as children’s rights to education and respect and their responsibilities towards each other with regard to religious and racial tolerance.
Mutual respect is embraced throughout the curriculum by providing the opportunity for students to express their views in a safe environment.
Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
This is achieved though equipping students with the ability to understand their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving the opportunities to experience such diversity within the school community. The RE curriculum provides a broad and balanced education on a range of faiths, religions and cultures.
BCC has also been accredited with the International Schools Award and works in partnerships with schools overseas to teach students about life in other countries and develop them as global citizens
BCC strives endlessly to ensure that its students leave with the strongest foundation of values upon which to build a successful life and a successful contribution to our society.
