At Hurworth School, we are committed to promoting the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. These values are integral to our ethos and are woven into the fabric of our school community through our Core Values of Relationships, Respect, Resilience and Responsibility.
What Are British Values?
The five fundamental British values are:
- Democracy: Encouraging participation in the democratic process.
- The Rule of Law: Understanding and respecting the laws that govern us.
- Individual Liberty: Promoting freedom of choice and the right to hold personal beliefs.
- Mutual Respect: Fostering a culture of respect for others.
- Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs: Embracing diversity and promoting understanding of different cultures and religions.
How We Promote British Values
Democracy
- Make Your Mark Elections: Students participate in democratic elections to choose their representatives. This helps them understand the importance of having a voice and making decisions collectively.
- Debate Club: Regular debates on current issues encourage students to express their opinions and listen to others respectfully.
The Rule of Law
- Classroom Rules: Our Choices Policy means that each classroom has clear expectations and rules, helping students understand the importance of laws in maintaining order.
- IGNITE: As part of our Ignite programme, we work with a range of external agencies (including the Police) who visit the school to discuss the role of law in society and the importance of abiding by it. Students also learn about the importance of laws and the criminal justice system in PSHE and SMSC lessons.
Individual Liberty
- Choice in Learning: Students are given choices in their learning activities, fostering a sense of independence and responsibility. Our Choices policy emphasises the importance of making the right choice and the consequences of not doing this.
- Extracurricular Activities: A wide range of clubs and activities allow students to pursue their interests and develop their talents. We also have a range of trips and visits offered to each year group to encourage a love of learning and a sense of belonging to a community.
Mutual Respect
- Leadership: We have several opportunities to develop leadership; our Year 8 students can become Peer Mentors during the transition process and our Year 11 students can apply for the roles of Prefect and Head Prefect. Older students mentor and encourage younger ones, promoting a culture of respect and support.
- Respect Workshops: Workshops and assemblies focus on the importance of respecting others, regardless of differences as a part of our IGNITE programme.
Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs
- Workshops: As part of our IGNITE weeks, we work with different religious organisations to promote understanding of religious beliefs. Our library stocks books featuring a diverse range of characters so students can explore this more.
- Religious Education: Our Religious Studies curriculum includes learning about different religions and beliefs, fostering an environment of tolerance and understanding. Our GCSE RS students visit different places of worship as part of their course.
Learn More
For more information on British values and how they are promoted in schools, you can visit the following resources:
By embedding these values into our daily activities and curriculum, we aim to prepare our students to be responsible, respectful, resilient and positive members of society.
