British Values Statement
Chessington School is committed to serving its community. Chessington is a diverse community, and we celebrate this diversity each and every day. We recognise the multicultural, multi-faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom. We also understand the vital role we have in ensuring that pupils within the school are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation under any circumstances.
We follow equal opportunities guidance which guarantees that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or similar. Chessington is dedicated to preparing students for their adult life beyond the formal examined curriculum, and this includes ensuring that we promote and reinforce British values to all its students.
The Government emphasises that all UK schools are required to ensure that key ‘British Values’ are taught to their students. The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy.
The five British Values are:
- Democracy
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Mutual respect
- Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
Chessington uses strategies within the National Curriculum and beyond to secure students understanding of these values. The examples that follow show some of the many ways Chessington seeks to embed British values.
Democracy
The principle of democracy is consistently being reinforced at Chessington, as all children are encouraged to debate topics of interest, express their views and make a meaningful contribution to the running of the school on matters that directly involve pupils.
The rule of law
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at Chessington.
Students are taught the rules and expectations of the school which are reinforced by our behaviour policy, including our five-step consequence pyramid. Students are taught the value and the reasons behind the laws that govern and protect us, the responsibilities that these laws involve and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service reinforces this message.
Individual liberty
At Chessington, students are actively encouraged to make independent choices with the knowledge that they are in a safe, secure and supportive environment. Staff at Chessington School educate and provide boundaries for students to make informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education.
Chessington has a robust anti-bullying culture and has in place a comprehensive Behaviour Policy that promotes achievement for all students.
Mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
Respect is a strong part of Chessington and is part of our School’s Shared Values. Students learn that their behaviour has an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect and this is reiterated through our teaching and learning environments.
Pupils are helped to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life. Our school welcomes those with varying backgrounds, and we teach our students to understand their place in a culturally diverse society. Staff and pupils are encouraged to challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour wherever it occurs.
Chessington strives endlessly to ensure that its students leave with the strongest foundation of values upon which to build a successful life and a successful contribution to our society.