British Values

Sandymoor Ormiston Academy plays a vital role in promoting and reinforcing British values and equality, supporting our students to become effective, responsible, learners.

The academy’s equality statement supports equal opportunities through these guiding principles which are embedded into our everyday life:

  • All learners are of equal value
  • We recognise and respect difference
  • We foster positive attitudes and relationships and a shared sense of cohesion and belonging
  • We aim to reduce and remove inequalities and barriers that already exist

The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy as:

  • Democracy
  • The rule of law
  • Individual liberty
  • Mutual respect
  • Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

The examples that follow are some of the many ways that we seek to promote and embed these guiding principles:

Democracy is promoted through active student voice allowing freedom of speech. We have student ambassadors that represent the voices of all of our students. Democracy is explored within our curriculum in areas such as History, Life Skills and tutor time.

The rule of law, the reasons behind laws; such as how they govern and protect us and the consequences when laws are broken are taught explicitly. We have excellent relationships with our local police force who regularly attend school events.

    Individual liberty is active in our school; our students make independent choices knowing they are in a safe and supportive environment. Students are encouraged to understand and exercise their rights, responsibilities and personal freedoms. They receive support and advice through the curriculum as well as stand-alone events such as workshops run by outside providers on e-safety, drug awareness and anti‐bullying.

    Mutual respect is at the heart of our ethos; modelled by staff and students alike. Respect is promoted through our behaviour as well as our local school environment. Our students promote the values of restorative justice and mutual respect through the curriculum, for example, fair play in PE and our peer mentoring programme.

    Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs is central to our inclusive ethos. Our curriculum is broad and balanced and covers a wide range of faiths and beliefs.

      Files