Fundamental British Values at Widnes Academy
At Widnes Academy, we actively promote the fundamental British Values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. These values are embedded throughout our curriculum, assemblies, wider opportunities and everyday school life.
Our approach reflects our school mission:
“To support, encourage and develop all members of our school community so that they grow in confidence, achieving to their highest potential within a learning environment based on respect and acceptance.”
We want our pupils to grow into confident, responsible and respectful citizens who understand their role within their community and are well prepared for life in modern Britain. Our commitment to equality and inclusion ensures that every member of our school community is valued, respected and supported to participate fully in school life.
British Values are not taught in isolation. They are woven throughout our curriculum and reinforced through PSHE, RE, assemblies, pupil leadership, Picture News, enrichment opportunities and our expectations of being Ready, Respectful and Safe.
Democracy
At Widnes Academy, we believe it is important that pupils understand that their views matter and that they can contribute positively to decisions that affect their school and community.
Pupils have a range of opportunities to express their opinions, listen to the views of others and participate in democratic processes. These include:
- our School Council, with representatives chosen by their peers;
- School Champions and other pupil leadership roles;
- Anti-Bullying Ambassadors;
- opportunities to become school librarians through an application process;
- pupil questionnaires, discussions and other forms of pupil voice.
Through these experiences, pupils learn about voting, representation, decision-making, responsibility and the importance of listening respectfully to different viewpoints.
We also value the voice of our wider school community. The views of pupils, parents, staff and governors are sought when we evaluate aspects of school life and consider future developments.
The Rule of Law
Pupils are taught why rules and laws are important and how they contribute to a safe, fair and respectful society.
Our expectations of being Ready, Respectful and Safe help children understand that their actions have consequences and that everyone has a responsibility to contribute positively to our school community.
Through the curriculum, PSHE, assemblies and discussions about current issues, pupils explore the purpose of rules and laws, the difference between right and wrong and the importance of making responsible choices.
We encourage pupils to understand that laws exist to protect individuals and communities and that everyone has rights as well as responsibilities. Where appropriate, pupils are provided with opportunities to discuss and debate rules, laws and contemporary issues in an age-appropriate way.
Individual Liberty
At Widnes Academy, pupils are encouraged to become independent, confident learners who are able to make informed and responsible choices.
Within a safe and supportive environment, children are encouraged to develop their individual interests, talents and aspirations. Our broad curriculum and range of enrichment and extra-curricular opportunities allow pupils to experience new activities, discover their strengths and pursue their interests.
Pupils are also taught how to exercise their freedoms safely and responsibly. Through PSHE, safeguarding education and online safety, children develop an age-appropriate understanding of their rights, responsibilities and how to keep themselves and others safe.
We encourage pupils to have high aspirations and to understand that they have the freedom to make positive choices about their future.
Mutual Respect
Respect and acceptance are central to our ethos at Widnes Academy.
Children are taught that their behaviours and choices affect others and that everyone deserves to be treated with kindness, dignity and respect. Our expectations of being Ready, Respectful and Safe reinforce this throughout school life.
Through our curriculum, PSHE, assemblies, pupil leadership opportunities and everyday interactions, pupils learn to:
- listen to and value the views of others;
- develop positive and respectful relationships;
- work collaboratively;
- challenge bullying and discriminatory behaviour;
- appreciate difference;
- resolve disagreements appropriately;
- understand their responsibilities towards others.
Pupils are encouraged to celebrate one another's achievements and to understand that being part of a community involves respecting, supporting and caring for others.
Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs
At Widnes Academy, we want children to develop an understanding and appreciation of the diverse society in which they live.
Through RE, PSHE, assemblies, the wider curriculum and opportunities to learn about different cultures, pupils develop their knowledge and understanding of a range of religions, faiths, beliefs and worldviews.
Children are taught that people may have beliefs, traditions and opinions that are different from their own and that these differences should be approached with respect and understanding.
We encourage pupils to ask appropriate questions, discuss different viewpoints and challenge prejudice and discrimination. This helps them develop the knowledge, attitudes and respect needed to live successfully alongside others in modern Britain.
British Values Across Our Curriculum
Fundamental British Values are an integral part of life at Widnes Academy rather than a standalone area of learning.
Our curriculum provides opportunities for pupils to explore democracy, equality, diversity, rights, responsibilities, respect and the importance of contributing positively to society. Assemblies, PSHE, RE and resources such as Picture News provide further opportunities for pupils to discuss age-appropriate local, national and global issues.
Through our curriculum and wider school experiences, we aim for pupils to leave Widnes Academy with a strong understanding of their rights and responsibilities, respect for others, confidence in expressing their own views and an appreciation of the diverse society to which they belong.
Ultimately, we want our pupils to become kind, respectful, responsible and active citizens who are well prepared for the next stage of their education and for life in modern Britain.
Picture News
Picture News
At Widnes Academy, we use Picture News to enrich our curriculum and help pupils develop their understanding of the world around them. Through engaging, age-appropriate current affairs, pupils are encouraged to explore important issues, ask questions, express their views and listen respectfully to the opinions of others.
Through Picture News, we provide opportunities for pupils to:
- explore a range of current local, national and global issues, including political, religious, cultural, environmental, social, moral and spiritual themes;
- develop their knowledge and understanding of the wider world and modern Britain;
- make meaningful connections between fundamental British Values, our school values and life within the wider community;
- consider different viewpoints and develop the confidence to express and explain their own opinions;
- listen to others and develop respect and understanding for people whose views, experiences, faiths or beliefs may be different from their own;
- develop important skills including discussion, questioning, reasoning, reflection and critical thinking;
- recognise the importance of respect, equality, tolerance and responsible citizenship.
Picture News provides pupils with meaningful opportunities to discuss issues that are relevant to the world in which they are growing up. These discussions help children to understand that people can hold different opinions while still treating one another with kindness, dignity and respect.
In this way, Picture News supports our wider curriculum aim of developing pupils who are confident, curious, respectful and responsible, and who are increasingly well prepared to make a positive contribution to their community and to life in modern Britain.
