The government set out their definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy and this was reinforced in September 2014. The five part definitions of British values are:
- The Rule of Law
- Individual Liberty
- Mutual Respect
- Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
Democracy of students is shown by:
- student voice on regards to the life of the school. Students are elected to represent their tutor group on the year group council and from there the school council.
- students’ questionnaires taken as part of lesson feedback during normal lessons or as part of an interview process.
The Rule of Law of students is shown by their:
- understanding and appreciation of the rules of the class, school, the neighbourhood or the country and of why these are in places and the reasoning of why they must be adhered to.
- understanding the importance of rules that will be consistently reinforced through assemblies and the curriculum.
- understanding the part they play in the creation of some school rules as part of the school council.
- interest of philosophical enquiry in lessons and the opportunities to debate and discuss the reasons for laws so that they can recognise the importance of these for their own protection.
The Individual Liberty of students is shown by:
- the positive ethos around the school, with students in a safe environment.
- the students taking opportunities that are given to them that allow their abilities and talents to flourish.
- the extra-curricular activities and trips and visits which are available to students throughout the school year.
The Mutual Respect of students is shown by their:
- treatment of each other and staff, showing great respect.
- willingness to listen to other students’ interests or point of views and treat what they believe with respect.
The Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs of students is shown by their:
- understanding of different faiths and beliefs from lessons as well as assemblies.
- mutual respect of every student or member of staff at the school no matter their faith or belief.
Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural Development (SMSC)
At The Hamble School, SMSC – spiritual, moral, social and cultural development – is an integrated part of the curriculum. It is part of all aspects of the school and has an important role to play in helping our students grow into the best citizens they can be.
Defining spiritual, moral, social and cultural development
The spiritual development of students is shown by their:
- ability to be reflective about their own beliefs, religious or otherwise, that inform their perspective on life and their interest in and respect for different people’s faiths, feelings and values.
- sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning about themselves, others and the world around them.
- use of imagination and creativity in their learning.
- willingness to reflect on their experiences.
The moral development of students is shown by their:
- ability to recognise the difference between right and wrong, readily apply this understanding in their own lives and, in so doing, respect the civil and criminal law of England.
- understanding of the consequences of their behaviour and actions.
- interest in investigating and offering reasoned views about moral and ethical issues, and being able to understand and appreciate the viewpoints of others on these issues.
The social development of students is shown by their:
- use of a range of social skills in different contexts, including working and socialising with students from different religious, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.
- willingness to participate in a variety of communities and social settings, including by volunteering, co-operating well with others and being able to resolve conflicts effectively.
- acceptance and engagement with the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs; the students develop and demonstrate skills and attitudes that will allow them to participate fully in and contribute positively to life in modern Britain.
The cultural development of students is shown by their:
- understanding and appreciation of the wide range of cultural influences that have shaped their own heritage and that of others.
- understanding and appreciation of the range of different cultures within school and further afield as an essential element of their preparation for life in modern Britain.
- knowledge of Britain’s democratic parliamentary system and its central role in shaping our history and values, and in continuing to develop Britain.
- willingness to participate in and respond positively to artistic, sporting and cultural opportunities.
- interest in exploring, improving understanding of and showing respect for different faiths and cultural diversity, and the extent to which they understand, accept, respect and celebrate diversity, as shown by their tolerance and attitudes towards different religious, ethnic and socio-economic groups in the local, national and global communities.