Equality, Diversion and Inclusion
British Values and SMSC
In all our schools, the promotion of British Values is intricately woven through our Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural (SMSC) education, ensuring that it permeates every aspect of the school curriculum. This comprehensive approach is tailored to meet the abilities of individual pupils by providing well-planned and meaningful learning opportunities that cover a wide range of themes. Moreover, we are committed to instilling British values in our pupils:
- Democracy: Fostering a school environment where pupil voice is maximised and communication skills are developed. This includes using visual and verbal communication methods, such as signing, symbols, and body language, enabling pupils to make meaningful choices in their daily school life and within the school council.
- Rule of Law: Equipping pupils with the tools to manage their own behaviour and emotions as independently as possible. This involves developing emotional literacy and using sensory integration strategies to support behaviour management, with clear boundaries and expectations set by staff.
- Individual Liberty: Encouraging pupil independence in all possible aspects of school life, ensuring pupils understand they have rights, including the right to agree or disagree. This autonomy is supported by opportunities for pupils to take on responsibilities and participate in a variety of charitable events, fostering self-esteem and well-being.
- Mutual Respect and Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs: Our schools promote an inclusive environment where all pupils and their diverse backgrounds are respected. We encourage learning about different cultures and faiths through various educational and cultural activities, which help pupils appreciate and value different viewpoints.
These values are complemented by thematic threads within SMSC, including:
- Cultural Development: Through diverse learning activities and events like multicultural festivals and religious celebrations, pupils gain exposure to a wide array of cultures and beliefs, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of different communities.
- Moral Development: Focused on recognising right and wrong, pupils engage in discussions about law, ethics, and personal responsibilities, and participate in charity events that reinforce these concepts.
- Social Development: Pupils are actively involved in the local community, participating in visits, cooperative projects, and various social activities that develop their social skills and awareness of community roles.
- Spiritual Development: Pupils explore a range of beliefs and values, which fosters their ability to reflect, imagine, and understand the world around them.
Engagement and Evaluation
Our commitment extends beyond classroom activities to include engagement with families and the wider community, ensuring that the values we teach are reflected in every interaction our pupils have. We continually assess the impact of our SMSC and British Values education by engaging with stakeholders, reviewing our practices, and adapting our approaches to meet the needs of our pupils and their families.
Over the past few years, it has been our Pastoral Lead and most experienced PSHCE/RSE teacher within the trust who have led on a number of engagement opportunities, such as working parties, with our families and governors to develop some of our more potentially controversial policies and processes, such as Relationships & Sex Education and Intimate Care Policies.
For more information, please see below for our policies relating to Equality, Diversion and Inclusion:
Astrum Equality Information and Objectives