The five British Values are set out below:
Students at HBHS are exposed to democracy through everyday school life; they understand and follow school rules, are encouraged to be responsible, demonstrate respect and are given the opportunity to apply to be part of the school council. The school council meets throughout the year to allow students voices to be heard on important topics both raised by them and given to them to discuss. Democracy is introduced in detail in year 8 in the History curriculum when they look at Chartism and the political rights and influence for the working classes. This is again revisited in year 10 GCSE History when students compare German democracy with British democracy. The concepts of free will versus determinism are introduced to students in RE as part of their year 8 philosophy unit and are revisited as part of both the GCSE and A Level RS courses. In addition, A Level RS students debate the value of majority rule when studying utilitarianism, which is an oblique critique of our democratic system.
Rule of Law
High expectations are expected of students at HBHS and students understand the behaviour policy and the consequences in place when rules are broken. During times of national democratic voting students are given the opportunity to participate in a ‘mock vote’ which is supported by the PSHE programme to aid unbiased understanding of political parties. On the curriculum year 7 students look at laws from a religious perspective of Christianity and the 10 Commandments. This includes considering why we need laws, whether the 10 Commandments are relevant and how we determine laws from an ethical view. This is contrasted throughout KS3-KS5 with the study of the precepts and guidance given by different religious communities, such as Buddhism and Islam. As part of the GCSE RS unit Religion, Crime and Punishment students examine how UK laws are made and enforced. In addition, both GCSE and A Level RS students contrast the rule of law to ethical and religious norms. We also offer Law as a subject at sixth form where the rule of law can be explored in detail.
At HBHS students are encouraged to make individual and safe choices and are fully supported and encouraged to do so with the aid of the pastoral upper/ lower school teams and with support from the SEND team. Individual Liberty is also covered in year 8 in the History curriculum where they look at Chartism and the political rights and influence for the working classes. This is again revisited in year 10 GCSE History when students compare German democracy with British democracy and the freedoms associated with each. Through RE, in studying non-Christian religions, the concept of freedom of religion is discussed.
Respect is a core value here at HBHS alongside Kindness and Dedication. Students are consistently reminded and facilitated to demonstrate respect in all aspects of school life from following school rules to considering their interactions with those around them. Students have the opportunity to learn about and donate to the full school charity events annually which have included in the past few years; Positive About Down Syndrome (2022), Versus Arthritis (2021) and Bliss (2018). Mutual respect is a core part of the PSHE curriculum where students across all year groups are facilitated to consider respect and peer pressure across a range of topics such as drugs and alcohol, online safety, friendships, relationships and many others. Mutual respect is also a core part of the RE curriculum across all key stages. Through case studies, religious teachings, and ethical debates, students learn about individuals who have taken particular actions because of their beliefs connected to equality and respect for all.
Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs is a core theme of the RE curriculum across all key stages. The curriculum enables students to ask questions about the beliefs and consider the opinions of others in a safe learning environment. Through RE students develop responsibility and respect for all aspects of diversity, whether it be social, cultural, or religious. It provides students with an insight that can help to challenge stereotypes and promote cohesion. The PSHE curriculum also allows students to discuss a variety of topics and consider challenging others’ beliefs and opinions in a respectful and considered way whilst allowing them to accept individual differences and upbringings. Students, in their Year 9 History lessons study the Holocaust which requires an understanding of the importance and respect for different beliefs/faiths.