British Values

Developing British Values and Preventing Radicalisation 

This document aims to summarise how, as a school community, Haydock High School is helping our students to develop “British values” and how we work to prevent radicalisation in a range of areas.

Upholding and developing British Values
As a community we have determined “British Values” to be:

• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect
• Respect for those with different faiths and beliefs

(Source: DfE Press Release 23.6.14)As a school we aim to develop and nurture these by:

• Delivering an assembly programme with core ethical values and beliefs at its heart
• A well-structured Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship education programme which is delivered in form time and through dedicated lessons throughout the year
• A strong Ethics and Philosophy programme at every Key Stage
• Effective and well-managed Year councils and School Council enabling students to actively participate in the democratic process
• A broad and balanced curriculum which addresses many of these core values across a range of subject areas
• Having a clearly communicated and consistently applied Behaviour Policy so that students understand what is expected of them and the consequences of both meeting and failing to meet these expectations
• A rewards system that recognises positive contributions in school and celebrates success
• A Haydock Charter which is regularly referred to and communicated with students, reiterating that we are a school community built on mutual respect and understanding
• Having a rigorous commitment to student safety (for example: trips and visits policy and procedures, Safeguarding procedures, Code of Conduct and Health and Safety procedures)
• Celebration of the diverse nature of Britain through themed events, the Assembly programme, the teaching of World Music and the choice of texts/resources across the curriculum

An extra-curricular programme, that can be found here, which provides opportunities outside the curriculum to develop individual talent and contribute to school life

In addition, please see bullet points below relating to how we aim to eliminate the possibility of Radicalisation as many of these actions/steps also assist us in affirming and reinforcing core “British Values” of tolerance, respect and the rule of law.

Citizens who feel respected, connected and valued within a community are far less likely to be at risk of radicalisation.
Radicalisation has been defined as, “a process by which an individual or group comes to adopt increasingly extreme political, social, or religious ideals and aspirations that (1) reject or undermine the status quo or (2) reject and / or undermine contemporary ideas and expressions of freedom of choice.”
We believe it is when someone feels marginalised or under-valued that there is a greater opportunity for such extremism to be fostered. We aim to prevent the radicalisation of our students / staff by:

• Celebrating diversity through our curricular content 
• Providing a Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship education programme that celebrates diversity, challenges stereotypes and addresses issues such as discrimination and prejudice in society as a whole
• Monitoring all job applications in our aim for diversity within our staffing
• Ensuring the safer recruitment of our staff
• Ensuring that visitors are appropriately vetted and supervised whilst on site
• Educating students about the protected characteristics detailed within the Equality Act 2010
• Responding rapidly, rigorously and appropriately to any reported incidents of a racist or discriminatory nature, adhering to Local Authority reporting protocols, as required
• In summary, our aim is to develop well-rounded, educated and reflective students who can confidently move forward beyond school and find their place in the world. We want our students to:
• Develop lively, enquiring minds capable of original thought and well-balanced critical argument.
• Become confident, independent learners well-equipped for lifelong learning.
• Derive enjoyment from their learning which should extend their intellectual capacity, develop their interest and stimulate their curiosity.
• Embrace the many opportunities afforded by developments in information and communication technologies, whilst fully accepting the responsibilities that go with using them properly.
• Engage in a broad programme of experiences which enable them to appreciate their cultural inheritance and to understand more about themselves and the world in which they live.
• Develop the capacities to make informed, rational and responsible decisions and to work in ways which enhance their self-respect and sensitivity to the needs of others, particularly those less advantaged than themselves.
• Show respect for each other and all people working in the school, and to appreciate the diverse talents that contribute to our school community.
• To play a full part in creating a caring, supportive school environment.
• Develop a range of reasoned beliefs and values and a sympathy and respect for those held by others, which will prepare them to become considerate and responsible citizens.
• Display self-discipline and proper regard for authority.
• Foster good behaviour and to avoid all forms of bullying