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.

Democracy

Students have the opportunity to contribute more widely to academy life through our “Student Voice”. Every tutor group is given the opportunity to elect a member to the body whereby students meet with senior leaders to discuss their learning and ideas.

Classrooms are run along democratic principles. Students are given equal opportunities to contribute orally. No one individual is allowed to dominate and to steal time from the majority. Rules are explained and breaches of those rules are challenged by staff. The rationale for that challenge is usually based on the argument that poor behaviour from one person has an impact on everyone. It is therefore unfair.

There are also many opportunities to learn about democracy within the curriculum. For example students study the operation of parliament and democratic processes citizenship, the role of literary texts in English, such as “An Inspector Calls” in addressing democracy and justice, and in history students examine why women won the vote.

In Year 7 students learn democracy, about how the country and local areas run, and try to be a leader of a fictitious county or town. Students try to spot problems and then come up with plans to overcome these issues. Then they take part in an election to be leader of that town. In Year 8 our students investigate how the local council runs. Students get to help people by directing them to the correct department, and give advice to sort out problems. In year 9 we learn about the government, cabinet departments and organise their own political party. In Yr10 and 11 Citizenship students learn extensive coverage of democracy.

The Rule of Law

At Wednesfield High we promote the importance of the rule of law. Students see that this is important through our day to day work. Accountability is stressed to all stakeholders including staff (teacher’s standards and performance management), students (“non-negotiables” as set out in the academy’s behaviour policy) and Governors.

Through the sixth form elective programme, students have the opportunity to take part in a student leader election, gaining an insight into the workings of the democratic system of election.

Opportunities to learn about the rule of law are built onto the curriculum. For example, in business studies students examine how laws are made and the stages they pass through to become an Act of Parliament, in history they look at law and order and in RE students learn about crime and punishment.

Through citizenship students take part in a mock trial. In years 8 and 9 Students could be the judge or as part of a jury. Civil laws are looked at in year 9 and students are a solicitor and review a civil case to advise their client.

Individual Liberty

As an academy we educate and provide boundaries for students to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment. Students are actively encouraged to make appropriate choices.

As students move through the academy, privileges are gained such as, in year 12 and 13 students have their own designated area to study and do not have to wear an academy uniform (smart office wear should be worn) and sixth form are allowed to leave the site at times such as break and lunch. For all students there are elements of choice in the canteen, within healthy boundaries. Students are offered guided autonomy over choices regarding future pathways.

Opportunities that exist within the curriculum include, for example, learning about human rights in geography and precious liberties of citizens, and rights and responsibilities in business studies.

In year 8 students study about discrimination, human rights and the rights of the child.

Mutual Respect

Our academy ethos is “Changing Lives, Shaping Futures” Through this we strive to foster strong working relationships between staff and students, between colleagues and between staff and parents. A positive understanding of differences and willingness to listen to the views of others is embedded in our daily practices.

Behaviour Policies promote good behaviour and challenge poor behaviour so that all students respect others and give them the opportunity to succeed. We take seriously our duty to prevent victimisation of any individual and we carefully analyse any incidents where racist, homophobic or sexist actions could hurt others.

Tolerance of Other Faiths and Beliefs

At Wednesfield High we endeavour to ensure that we are enhancing students’ understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society by offering them many and varied opportunities for them to experience this first hand. There are many visits, trips and opportunities for students to learn all about other faiths, creeds and cultures not just in this country but around the world. We also have links through our creativity area with an inner city multicultural school.

Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been supported by learning in RE and PHSE. The RE curriculum provides the opportunity for students to learn about a variety of different faiths including, Christianity, Buddhism, Sikhism, Judaism and Hinduism.

In summary, we prepare our students for life in a complex, contradictory and chaotic modern Britain. Our data illustrates that the vast majority of our students go on to take part fully as civilised members of society who experience a range of roles throughout their lives. We wish our students to become good employees, caring partners and parents, active citizens and engaged friends and we work hard in school to ensure that these core values are promoted for all. The school’s promotion of these core values ensures a steady progression of attitudes and qualities.

Democracy

"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.

The Rule of Law

"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.

Individual Liberty

"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.

Mutual Respect

"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: -

Respect for Learning environment and culture
Respect for one another’s opinions and building relationships
Opportunity to share ideas and thoughts
Respect for other cultures, groups and sectors of society, poverty and wealth, disability, health and wellbeing
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

Tolerance of Other Faiths and Beliefs

"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.

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BritishValues

British
Values