What are British Values?
Here in Britain, we are fortunate to live in a democracy, where each adult is able to vote at a General Election and in local elections. The politicians who receive the most votes from the public are then voted in to Parliament and to local government. This means that we, as British citizens, have a direct role to play in who leads and runs our country. If the politicians do a good job, we might choose to vote for them again. If they do a poor job, then we are likely to vote for other candidates!
The Rule of Law
Here in Britain, we have a society that operates under the rule of law. This means that laws, created by Parliament and enforced by the Police and through the law courts, determine what is considered by society to be right and wrong. It is our responsibility and duty as British citizens to then follow the laws that are in place, as they are designed to provide us with a safe, disciplined and tolerant society in which to live.
The Police and the Army
Here in Britain, the democratic process allows organisations such as the Police and the Army to be held to account for their conduct. For example, the government has recently introduced “Police and Crime Commissioners” to oversee the management of the Police, its priorities and resources, in each region of the country.
The Freedom to Hold Other Faiths and Beliefs
Here in Britain, we are fortunate to live in a tolerant society where we are each free to hold whatever faith or belief (or no faith or belief) we choose. Although British society has been founded on the traditions of the Christian faith, it has become increasingly diverse in the faiths and beliefs that are practised, with a number of British citizens practising other major world faiths such as Islam, Judaism, Sikhism and Hinduism, amongst others. This freedom for each of us to hold whatever faith or belief (or no faith or belief) we choose is a fundamental human right and is one that we should always seek to carefully guard and protect.
Respect for Others
Here in Britain, we seek to be respectful of one another, regardless of differences that may exist in our background, social status, colour, race, ethnicity, gender, disability, religion or lifestyle choice. This respect is also enshrined in law – for example, in the Equality Act of 2010.
Identifying and Combating Discrimination
Here in Britain, we do not seek to discriminate against anyone on the basis of their background, social status, colour, race, ethnicity, gender, disability, religion or lifestyle choice. Where there is discrimination, it is vitally important that we seek to combat it. If you, or someone you know, is being discriminated against for any reason, make sure you bring it to the attention of your Form Tutor, or your Head of Year, or the school’s Child Protection Officer. Alternatively, discuss the issue with a parent, teacher or another adult you trust and they can bring it to the attention of the school on your behalf. As you know, Christ’s College takes all kinds of discrimination seriously. For the sake of us all, we seek to live in a tolerant and understanding school community, where everyone is treated with fairness and respect.
Seven Core Values
Here at Christ’s College, British Values are encapsulated in our seven Core Values, which are considered and developed through assemblies, the Tutor Reflections programme, guest speakers, outside agencies and subject specific lessons –
We aim to be positive in everything, doing what is good and aiming to benefit others as well as ourselves.
We seek to do our personal best without bragging and to encourage others to achieve their best without being critical or jealous of their efforts.
We care for those who are in difficulty and who are hurting, recognising that the world does not exists for us alone.
We can be trusted to be honest and truthful, to say what we mean and to do what we say.
We recognise that having the freedom to express ourselves means we must also accept responsibility for our words, thoughts and actions.
We aim to do what is right, whatever the cost; we stand up for the weak, whatever the danger; we face our fears and find ways of defeating them.
We know that hard work and the refusal to give up are essential if we are to achieve anything worthwhile.