British Values

It follows 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. Dorrington Academy is dedicated to preparing students for their adult life beyond the formal examined curriculum and ensuring that it promotes and reinforces British values to all its students.

The Government emphasises that schools are required to ensure that key ‘British Values’ are taught in all UK schools.  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

The academy uses strategies within the National curriculum and beyond to secure such outcomes for students.   The examples that follow show some of the many ways Dorrington Academy seeks to embed British values.

Democracy

The principle of democracy is consistently being reinforced at Dorrington, with democracy processes being used for important decisions within the school community, for instance, elections being held for Head Boy and Girl and House Captain positions. The principle of democracy is also explored in the History and Religious Studies curriculum as well as in RESPECT lessons and assemblies.

The rule of law

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the Academy, or the country, are consistently reinforced at Dorrington.
Students are taught the rules and expectations of the Academy which are highlighted by class rules and student expectations.  Students are taught the value and the reasons behind laws that govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken.  Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service reinforce this message.

Individual liberty

At Dorrington Academy, students are actively encouraged to make independent choices, with the knowledge that they are in a safe, secure and supportive environment. Staff at Dorrington educate and provide boundaries for students to make informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education.
Students are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised on how to exercise these safely, for example through e-safety.
Dorrington Academy has a robust anti-bullying culture and has in place a clear Behaviour Policy and Learning Mentor support.

Mutual Respect

Respect is a strong part of Dorrington Academy and is part of its Mission Statement & Values.  Students learn that their behaviours 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 its teaching and learning environments.
Mutual respect is embraced throughout the curriculum by providing the opportunity for students to express their views in a safe environment.

Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

This is achieved though equipping students with the ability to understand their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving the opportunities to experience such diversity within the school community.  Bollywood and African-Caribbean events during the year support this. Additionally, students are actively encouraged to share their faith and beliefs within the school and celebrate festivities throughout the calendar year.  The Religious Studies curriculum, which is compulsory for all students up to the end of KS4, provides a broad and balanced education on a range of faiths, religions and cultures.

Dorrington Academy is currently participating in the Unicef Rights Respecting Schools Award.  The Award recognises a school’s achievement in putting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child into practice within the school and beyond.

Dorrington Academy 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.