Promoting Fundamental British Values

We aim to actively promote British values in schools to ensure young people leave school prepared for life in modern Britain.  Pupils are encouraged to regard people of all faiths, races and cultures with respect and tolerance and understand that while different people may hold different views about what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, all people living in England are subject to its law. The school also recognizes that it is a part of the Islamic community, and we consider that ‘British values’ as the term commonly applied in educational debates are coterminous with ‘Islamic values’: democracy and the rule of law, freedom and responsibility, equality and respect are at heart of both systems and belief systems, and the strong traditions of Islam enhance and reinforce the laws of Britain. As such, we, at Barnet Hill Academy, endorse the Islamic principles of 'the law of the land is the law'.

We also see it as our responsibility to ensure students are educated about the major faiths of the UK and the world, and can hear at first hand from representatives of those faiths. This is an expression of the Quranic verse:

O mankind! Behold, We have created you all out of a male and a female, and have made you into nations and tribes, so that you might come to know one another…’ (49:13).

This is also part of the necessary preparation of our students for life in British society and the wider world. By encountering other faiths and beliefs, we also gain deeper knowledge and understanding of our tradition and may come to appreciate it all the more.

The Key Values are:

•    democracy
•    rule of law
•    individual liberty
•    mutual respect
•    tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs 

 British Values are not taught as a separate subject, but are interwoven into our values and our curriculum. We ensure our children embody British Values and realise that these are an essential quality to have.

BHA strives 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.

Democracy

The principle of democracy is consistently being reinforced at BHA, 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 BHA. 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 BHA, students are actively encouraged to make independent choices, with the knowledge that they are in a safe, secure, and supportive environment. Staff at BHA 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). BHA has a robust anti-bullying culture and has in place a comprehensive Behaviour Policy.

Mutual Respect

Respect is a strong part of BHA and is part of its values. Students learn that their behaviours have 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 school regularly focuses 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 them 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.