British Values & SMSC
Promoting British Values at Settle College
Democracy
Our “Student Voice” plays a strong role in our school. They are elected by their class peers and are involved in making the College a better place to learn. Students have a great amount of input in to what and how they learn, which promotes Student Voice. For example, the planning of the College’s PSHCE programme is significantly influenced by pupil input through their responses to the confidential: “Growing Up in North Yorkshire Survey”.
Student questionnaires and interviews are also conducted throughout the year. We know that the active participation of our students will sow the seeds for a more sophisticated understanding of democracy in the future.
Examples within lessons:
Key Stage 3: History – ‘Votes for Women’
Key Stage 4: Geography – ‘Cyclone Nargis and the lack of freedom of the people of Burma’
Key Stage 5: French – ‘The differences between the English and French political systems’
The Rule of Law
Our students will encounter rules and laws throughout their entire lives. We want our students to understand that whether these laws govern the class, the school, the neighbourhood or the country, they are set for good reasons and must be adhered to.
This understanding of the importance of rules will be consistently reinforced through assemblies and our curriculum. The involvement of our students in the creation of the school rules helps them to understand the reasons behind the rules and the consequences if they are broken. Through philosophical enquiry in our RE and PSCHE lessons, we allow opportunity to debate and discuss the reasons for laws so that students can recognise the importance of these for their own protection. Throughout the year we welcome visits from members of the wider community including police, war veterans, the fire brigade etc. We believe that clear explanations and contextualising learning emphasise the importance of the rule of law for our students.
Examples within lessons:
Key Stage 3: Computing – ‘Copyright laws, e-Safety, CEOP’
Key Stage 4: Biology – ‘Rules regulating embryology’
Key Stage 5: Physical Education – ‘Code of Conduct’
Individual Liberty
We invest a great deal of time in creating a positive culture in our school, so that students are in a safe environment where choice and freedom are encouraged. In lessons, students often have a choice of learning tasks. We encourage students to choose a task which will challenge them, giving them more freedom to determine their own learning. We offer a range of clubs which students have the freedom to choose from, based on their interests. Through our e-Safety, RE and PSCHE sessions, we educate children on their rights and personal freedoms as well as supporting them in recognising how to exercise these freedoms safely. At Settle College we believe that valuing choice and freedom in daily school life will foster values of individual liberty as the students embark upon their adult lives.
Examples within lessons:
Key Stage 3: Science – ‘Genetic testing – do you and others have the right?’
Key Stage 4: Design and Technology – ‘Selection of methods to manufacture products’
Key Stage 5: Maths – ‘Choosing different international mathematical processes’
Mutual Respect
Mutual respect is at the core of our school life. Students learn to treat each other and staff with respect. This is evident when walking around the College and in the classrooms. We actively promote “Achievement through Partnership” and this partnership is seen throughout the various relationships between students, parents and staff.
Example within lessons:
Key Stage 3: Physical Education – ‘The Importance of Sportsmanship’
Key Stage 4: English – ‘Romeo and Juliet – Respect of Women in Today’s Society’
Key Stage 5: Art – ‘The Appreciation and Admiration of all Art Genres’
Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs
At Settle College we offer a culturally rich and diverse curriculum in which all major religions are studied and respected. We strongly believe that tolerance is gained through knowledge and understanding. Through both our curriculum and the routines of our daily school life we strive to demonstrate tolerance, helping students to become knowledgeable and understanding citizens who can build a better society for the future.
Example within lessons:
Key Stage 3: History – ‘Religious changes in the 16th Century’
Key Stage 4: Business – ‘Cultural differences between different customer groups’
Key Stage 5: French – ‘Speaking test, to react to views and opinions’
At Settle College we like to promote the values which ensure our students leave here as respectable and purposeful citizens. A way in which we are promoting this is through the issue of ‘Settle College Values’ badges. Staff can nominate a student for a ‘Settle College Values’ badge for demonstrating the values both in and outside of lessons, and ‘above the norm’.
