British
Values
Being British is a fundamental part of our identity however this is in the context of our wonderfully diverse community at Wednesfield Academy. We are committed to celebrate our diversity whilst upholding the five fundamental British values; democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of other faiths and beliefs.
These tie to our Academy values that underpin the positive relationships between staff, students and their families as we work together towards our common goals. At Wednesfield, these values are integral to our daily routine and are reinforced across the curriculum.
"An understanding of how citizens can influence decision-making through the democratic process"
Teaching students the importance of democracy is an important part of their education. History and Citizenship focus particularly on democracy, both past and present. Throughout the Academy's tutor programme listening to and learning from the opinions of others is embedded. Each tutor group has a form representative who feed in to a year council. Each year council appoints two representatives to sit on the Academy council. The Academy council sits regularly with the Headteacher to discuss areas of strength and areas for development. The Academy also selects a Head Boy and Girl, who provide the "face" of the student body, along with other leadership positions in school. We also have representatives on the Wolverhampton Youth Council, take part annually in the big ask and mirror elections Nationally.
"An appreciation that living under the rule of law protects individual citizens and is essential for their wellbeing and safety"
Students fully understand the expectations of the Academy and the rewards and sanctions that apply across the school. They are taught the importance of the Academy values and the impact of these on our community. Through taught areas such as Citizenship they explore the importance of the law and the impact this has on keeping our country safe. Issues around the law and its application are explored during assemblies and the wider Academy Tutor programme including assemblies and projects with West Midlands Police.
"An understanding that there is a separation of power between the executive and the judiciary, and that while some public bodies such as the police and the army can be held to account through Parliament, others such as the courts maintain independence"
Throughout the Academy we continually focus on the importance of both the rights and responsibilities of the individual. We encourage students to express their opinions in an acceptable way, taking into account the impact that their opinions can have on others. We work closely with a range of local public bodies, including the police and the local authority, to ensure that students are aware of the risks and expectations on their local community. We strive for students to be active and responsible individuals within society at large and their own community.
"An understanding that the freedom to choose and hold other faiths and beliefs is protected in law"
Respect is one of our core values. We promote respect for one another at all levels - using opportunities during lessons and the Academy' tutor programme - to teach students the importance of respecting themselves and others. We support difference and diversity and recognise that we are all important as individuals. Particular focus areas include: -
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Respect for Learning environment and culture
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Respect for one another’s opinions and building relationships
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Opportunity to share ideas and thoughts
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Respect for other cultures, groups and sectors of society, poverty and wealth, disability, health and wellbeing
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Rights and responsibilities, between adult and child, social inequality, discrimination, immigration, ethical topics
Students learn to respect their opposition through playing competitive sport both within and outside of the academy
Our academy behaviour for learning is also used to enforce our school values and ethos
"An acceptance that other people having different faiths or beliefs to oneself (or having none) should be accepted and tolerated, and should not be the cause of prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour"
"An understanding of the importance of identifying and combating discrimination"
The Academy consistently promotes the importance of tolerance. We are proud of the way that our community treats people of different religions and backgrounds. We ensure that our students are safe and happy. The key messages of the Government's PREVENT strategy are shared with both staff and students regularly. The Academy challenges all discriminatory behaviour and uses external agencies when necessary to support this work.
