British Values
Values Statement
Chichester High School is committed to actively promoting British values throughout the curriculum, both inside and outside of the classroom. We understand British values to mean democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.
Our students are encouraged to:
- Understand how citizens can influence decision-making through the democratic process
- Understand that equality is the cornerstone of British society and that tolerance of others is the application of this conviction
- Understand that the freedom to hold other faiths and beliefs is protected in law
- Have an acceptance that people have different faiths or beliefs to oneself
- Be accepting and tolerant of others, and know they should not be the cause of prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour
- Understand the importance of identifying and combatting discrimination
Chichester High School values the diversity and backgrounds of all students and families, and we undertake a variety of events and lessons to celebrate these. We have found this approach to be enriching for everyone as it teaches tolerance and respect for the differences in our community and the wider world. Underpinning all this, are a range of curriculum topics which have strong links to British values.
Assemblies follow a planned sequence based around the ‘Every Child Matters’ agenda. We underpin all assemblies with traditional values of empathy, respect and tolerance.
Students are given opportunities to contribute to local and national community events such as ‘Stand up to Cancer’, Children in Need and Sport/Comic Relief which develop an interest in supporting those in the wider community. Closer to home, we support Canine Partners, a local charity, supporting the disabled.
The RE and PSHE curriculum looks at many aspects of faith and culture and encourages visits from members of non-Christian faiths to promote a wider understanding of non-Christian belief in a traditional Christian based community. Geography delves into aspects of population movement and scarcity of resources and the impact, both positive and negative, that migration can have. The History curriculum has a strong focus on the development of Britain through the ages and how we are the society we are today. The Science curriculum explores the choices made when parents encounter difficult decisions regarding genetic disorders, The Rule of Law is explored through laboratory rules. English challenges ‘Individual liberty’ through text analysis. ‘Of Mice and Men’ addresses Sexism, racism and disability whilst ‘Animal farm’ and ‘Lord of the Flies’ develop the concepts of ‘Rule of Law’ and ‘Democracy’.
Sport is a natural channel for the promotion of British values of taking part and sportsmanship. Sports have a high profile within school. Students demonstrate these qualities during lesson, at community events and whilst representing the school in extra-curricular events. The PE curriculum supports a sports day which is inclusive, ensuring athletes of all abilities have the opportunity to succeed. Accepting a result and winning or losing gracefully is instilled by coaches whilst appreciation of the governing body’s laws or rules, recognise a game must be played fairly.
Annually we remember fallen Old Boys and Girls in the World Wars and more recent conflicts. This is linked with the annual Remembrance Assembly and representation by students at the Chichester Remembrance events and the minute’s silence held in the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
Our CCF provides the students with the opportunity to develop an understanding of tolerance and respect through the RAF and Army sections.
Anti-Bullying Day and ‘Bully-free’ forms give our tutor groups an opportunity to work together looking at the nature of bullying and the impact it can have. A focus on liberty and tolerance of others supports an acceptance of diversity and challenging opinions.
The Respect Curriculum is the mainstay of the drive towards high expectations and the fundamental values of the school. Students are encouraged to express their views, respect the views of others and challenge those that voice extreme ideals.
Our communities are encouraged to report concerns to their teachers if they are worried about verbal exchanges or social media experiences that feel uncomfortable with.
Our Year 7 ICT curriculum has explored the need of e-safety. Understanding what is placed in the public arena can have a profound effect on others, even those you do not know personally. Staff are given the opportunity to train on aspects of e-safety in order to support young minds in making ‘good choices’.
Our Prefects have been elected by its peers and Senior Leaders to provide a ‘Voice for the student’. This team is instrumental in strategic decisions in school and the wider community.