British Values
At Orsett Heath Academy we are committed to serving our local, regional and national community and stakeholders in the most effective way possible.
We recognise the multi-cultural, multi-faith and multi-ethnic dynamic of the United Kingdom and we recognise the vital role that we play in ensuring that groups and/or individuals within the school are not subjected to prejudice, intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to subject them to illegal influence or to undue pressure.
We accept admissions from all those entitled to an education under British law, including pupils of all faiths or none, as allocated to the school through the application of our published Admissions Policy. We follow equal-opportunities guidelines, which ensure that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or background.
At Orsett Heath Academy we use opportunities both from within our published curriculum and beyond, to secure the British values outlined below for all students.
- democracy
- the rule of law
- individual liberty
- mutual respect
- tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
Students will be encouraged to:
- Develop and understanding of how citizens can influence decision-making through the democratic process
- Gain an appreciation that living under the rule of law protects individual citizens and is essential for their well-being and safety
- Develop 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 help to account through Parliament, other such as the courts maintain independence
- Gain an understanding that the freedom to choose and hold other faiths and beliefs is protected in law
- Show 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
The ethos and climate of Orsett Heath makes an important contribution to British Values. However, we will also support through the following:
- Our core curriculum is designed to prepare all students for life in British society
- A Religious Studies programme which develops self-esteem and knowledge and an ability to reflect on and develop individuals own spiritual values
- A PSHE programme which encourages learning and develops student’s awareness of core values as soon as students arrive
- Themed tutor time discussions based on all aspects of British Values
- P.E Curriculum through which we teach and reinforce the concept of ‘fair play in competition’ throughout all P.E. lessons and through our participation in national, local and inter-house sports competitions. The principles and practices of following rules, celebrating and rewarding success, accepting defeat, participating in activities that promote cooperation with others, and inclusion-for-all form an integral part of the P.E. core curriculum.
- An assembly programme to address all aspects of British Values
- Educational enrichment trips, creative partnerships and visiting speakers provide students with a range of experiences, which may promote a sense of awe and wonder about the world
- The use of school council and other student leadership opportunities to involve students in the school life
- Celebration of key events and awareness days, such as Anti-Bullying Week
- Involvement in key local and national events including public speaking and debating competitions, sports events, the annual Opportunity Thurrock events and the Jack Petchey Awards.