British Values & Prevent
Eskdale School is committed to serving its community.
It recognises the multi-cultural, multi faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom. It also understands the vital role it has in ensuring that groups or individuals within the school are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.
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. Eskdale School 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 school uses strategies within the National curriculum and beyond to secure such outcomes for students. The examples that follow show some of the many ways Eskdale School seeks to embed British values.
The principle of democracy is consistently being reinforced at Eskdale School, with democracy processes being used for important decisions within the school community, for instance, elections being held for Form Representatives to the School Council and House and Sports Captains. The principle of democracy is also explored in the History and Religious Education curriculum as well as in form time and assemblies.
The rule of law
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at Eskdale School throughout the school day as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies.
Students are taught the rules and expectations of the school which are highlighted by the student code of conduct 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 form a part of our calendar and reinforce this message.
Respect is a strong part of Eskdale School and is part of its Mission Statement & Values. Students learn that their behaviours have 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 so that the thoughts and answers of all are respected’.
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. Students benefit from a number of international visitors, including students from other continents and cultures. Additionally, students are actively encouraged to share their faith and beliefs within the school and celebrate festivities throughout the calendar year. The Religious Education curriculum provides a broad and balanced education on a range of faiths, religions and cultures.
Eskdale School 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.
At Eskdale School, students are actively encouraged to make independent choices, with the knowledge that they are in a safe, secure and supportive environment. Staff at Eskdale School 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, PSHCE lessons and form time work. Whether it is through choice of challenge, of how they record information or of participation in our extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, students are given the freedom to make choices.