British Values at The Grange Academy

Schools have a duty to teach British Values including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those of other faiths and beliefs. Teachers are required in the conduct section of their Standards, to uphold public trust in the profession by not undermining fundamental British Values. The Grange expects all staff to model and teach these values. Our Equality Policy makes clear our intention to provide the best education we can for all of our learners regardless of race, faith, gender, age and sexual orientation.

Here at The Grange our ethos is underpinned by our shared mission ‘Every child will receive an excellent education all through our school whatever their circumstances, age, background or ability’. Our Community is key– we are all privileged to belong to the same community which is built on mutual respect, tolerance and understanding and reflected in the school values within‘ASPIRE’.

Democracy

Learners, parents and staff have many opportunities for their voices to be heard at The Grange. Democracy is central to how we operate. Some examples of democratic practice are:

School Council and Head Boy and Girl (All through)
The election of The School Council and Head Boys and Girls, in both Primary and Secondary phases of learning mirrors the British electoral system and demonstrates democracy in action. It gives our learners a voice on matters relevant to school life. Proposals made by its members can and do, have a real impact on our school community. These learners develop an understanding of democratic principles and gain experience of gathering information, sharing views, running a committee and making decisions. The students are elected to the council through the vote of their peers.

The Grange Community Voice is actively sought 

Reflection from learners, staff, parents and governors are frequently sought when seeking opinion and/or evaluating school initiatives. The school has an active Parent Forum who meet regularly and liaise with senior leaders. These points of view all help to re-examine and build on the existing opportunities offered by the school.

School House systems. 

The School House system provides House leadership and organisational opportunities for both staff and learners. All learners from Y1 –Y11 are assigned to a House team.

The Rule of Law

The importance of rules, laws and standards,whether they are those that govern our country or school are frequently referred to across the school and reinforced in assemblies, personal tutor time and when necessary, to reflect on appropriate choices.

Some examples of the rule of law in practice are:

• Across all subjects we model and teach the necessity for rules and guidelines.
• At the start of each half term the Head Teacher delivers an assembly which allows learners to reflect on expected standards and school values. Every class member must be able to learn and contribute in a safe environment.
• The curriculum allows for particular laws to be debated.
• Mock trials can be experienced through some curriculum links.

Clear systems of rewards and consequences. 

The school’s Positive Behaviour System, ‘Respect, Reflect and Achieve’ is followed by all staff and learners with fortnightly celebration of who is‘Great@thegrange, ’ and informal meetings with the Head Teacher. Learners who have been recognised for hard work and positive progress will receive praise and will each take home a postcard to their family so that they can share their success. All learners receive ASPIRE points for positive attainment and achievements, which convert to House Points for their assigned house and that they will be able to swap for items of their choice in The Grange’s Reward Shop. There is a tiered consequence system that is utilised to manage negative behaviours and attitudes towards learning, when necessary.

PSHCEE and Whole School Assemblies 

PSHCEE and Whole School Assemblies are utilised for learners to develop an understanding of Community, Values and Law. Important messages are communicated about success, support and all aspects of the values within ASPIRE at The Grange School. Healthy debate is encouraged and learners are taught the value and reasons behind the laws that govern and protect us and the consequences when laws are broken.

Individual Liberty

Learners are taught that with rights come responsibilities.We educate our learners to make informed choices based on the evaluation of facts. Some examples of individual liberty in practice are:

Internet and Social Media 

All learners and staff have been taught the risks attached to using the internet and how they can keep themselves and others safe. All staff and learners sign a contract to adhere to the Acceptable Usage Policy for our school.

Tailored curriculum and provision that aims to meet their needs and aspirations

Through the Curriculum Pathways, Enrichment and After School Clubs, learners are offered a wide range of activities which support them to identify and develop their passions, abilities and entrepreneurship.

Learner Leadership Programs (All Through)

Learners are encourage to be part of a range of learner leadership opportunities which currently include Head Boys, Head Girls, the School Council, Anti Bullying Ambassadors, Library Monitors, Play Leaders and House Captains. Learners have the chance to be good role models across the school as well as developing leadership and support skills. Opportunities to develop more of our children as leaders are being developed.