British Values

Ashcroft Technology Academy (ATA) recognises not only the importance of allowing students to flourish academically but to also embrace our wider role in preparing them for their adult life beyond the formal curriculum. Part of our role in that preparation is ensuring that we promote and reinforce traditional British values to our students.

The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy and considered them to be democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs. At ATA these values are reinforced in a pervasive manner and permeate the Academy community.

The examples that follow are an indication of some of the many ways we seek to embed British values at ATA and should be seen as an indication of our approach rather than an exhaustive list.

Democracy

At ATA the principle of democracy is consistently reinforced, with the democratic process being employed for important decisions within the school community, for instance, elections being held for our Head Student team and prefects. The principle of democracy is explored in History and Religious Studies 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 Academy, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular Academy days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through themed assemblies. Students are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from external authorities such as the Police, are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message.

Individual liberty

Within ATA, students are actively encouraged to make independent choices, knowing that they are in a safe, secure and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for students to make choices safety, through the provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Students are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and receive advice about how to exercise these safely, for example through our exploration of E-Safety in Computing, form time and PSE activities.

Mutual respect

Respect is at the core of our Academy ethos and is modelled by students and staff alike. The Academy promotes respect for others and this is reiterated extensively through our classroom and learning environments. In line with our commitment to democracy and to the equality act which protects the rights of individuals and equality for all, students at ATA are 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 from the concept of ‘fair play' in PE to a number of ‘buddy' programmes which promote mutual respect between students across different year groups within the school.

Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

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 Academy community. As an Academy we are fortunate to benefit from a number of international visitors who share both their language and culture with our students. Additionally, students are actively encouraged to share their faith and beliefs within the Academy. Our Religious Studies curriculum provides a broad and balanced education on a range of faiths, religions and cultures.

Should you feel that the Academy is not meeting this requirement, you should contact the main reception and request to express your concerns with a member of the senior Leadership Group. Likewise, if you feel that anyone working within the Academy is undermining these values you are encouraged to report this to the Principal.