LEARN MORE ABOUT
British values
As a community academy we believe
We have a vital role in combating discrimination and promoting fairness, justice, and equality through our teaching
The Government defined its concept of ‘British values’ in its 2011 Prevent strategy, and since 2014 the Department for Education has required all academies to “promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs”.
Our academy has a wonderfully diverse community and welcomes and values everyone, whatever their ability, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexuality, or background. Currently, we have pupils and families who originate from many different countries worldwide. As a community academy, we believe we have a vital role in combating discrimination and promoting fairness, justice, and equality through our teaching and in the role models we offer. We teach our pupils to be responsible citizens and positive representatives of the United Kingdom within the wider world.
Promoting British values is, therefore, an intrinsic part of all we do. We expect that these values and attitudes are modelled and promoted by all the staff, allowing pupils to see and hear these values in action every day.
We promote ‘British values’ through our spiritual, moral, social, and cultural education which is developed through all curriculum areas and in all aspects of school life.
‘British values’ have been identified as:
- Democracy – We make sure children have a voice. They vote in our Student Parliament elections, share their views through surveys and discussions, and help shape our school community. We teach children about how democracy works and why it matters — and we explore what happens when it is denied. Through assemblies, PSHE lessons and classroom debates, we encourage our pupils to stay curious about current local, national and global issues.
- Rule of Law –Every class starts the year by creating its own class code of conduct, helping children understand how shared rules keep everyone safe and happy. Children learn that actions have consequences and that taking responsibility for their own choices is part of growing up. Our staff set clear, fair expectations and model positive behaviour, creating a calm, safe and supportive environment where children can thrive.
- Individual Liberty – We encourage all our pupils to become confident, independent and caring individuals. Children are given opportunities to make choices and understand their rights and responsibilities. They take on roles such as class monitors, sports leaders or library helpers, learning that with freedom comes responsibility. We also nurture independence and self-esteem through PSHE, community links and charity work, helping our children see how they can make a difference to others too.
- Mutual Respect – Respect runs through everything we do. We make sure our pupils learn, play and celebrate together, across different year groups and settings. They have opportunities to meet people from different backgrounds through events, trips and visitors — helping them understand and appreciate the world beyond our school gates.
- Acceptance of different faiths and beliefs – At HLC, we prepare children for life in a modern, multi-faith Britain. We teach them to respect and celebrate differences, and to value each person as an individual. Through our RE curriculum, Assemblies, PSHE and enrichment activities, children learn about different cultures, faiths and traditions, and have chances to share and celebrate their own.Our staff work in close partnership with families and the wider community to make sure every child feels they belong, is well cared for, and learns the skills they need to succeed and thrive — both here at HLC and as part of our diverse British society.
