British Values
Modern British Values
The Department for Education has introduced a statutory duty for schools to promote Modern British Values more actively from September 2014, and to ensure they are taught in schools. Kingsmead School promotes Modern British Values throughout our curriculum, assemblies and events and in our extra curriculum activities. The values are integral to our inclusive ethos and our mission statement which encompasses celebrating and embracing diversity, and the unique character of every individual student.
As well as actively promoting the Modern British Values of:
• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect
• Mutual respect for those of different faiths and beliefs
We actively challenge students, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental Modern British values, including views which are harmful, hurtful to others or are extremist in nature. Kingsmead School is committed to serving its community. We recognise the multi-cultural, multifaith and ever-changing nature of our community, the United Kingdom and our global community. We also understand the vital role we have in ensuring that groups or individuals within the school are not subjected to intimidation, discrimination or coercion with regards to radicalisation. We follow equal opportunities guidance which guarantees that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of protected characteristics such as ethnicity, gender, sexuality and beliefs. Kingsmead School is dedicated to preparing students for adulthood beyond the formal, examined curriculum and ensuring that it promotes and reinforces these life-long values.
Preventing Radicalisation & Extremism
What is the Prevent Strategy?
Prevent is a government strategy designed to stop people becoming involved in extreme actions, becoming terrorists or supporting terrorist or extremist causes. The Prevent strategy covers all types of terrorism and extremism, including the extreme right wing, violent Islamist groups and other radical causes.
How does the Prevent Strategy apply to schools?
From July 2015 all schools (as well as other organisations) have a duty to safeguard children from radicalisation and extremism. This means we have a responsibility to protect our students from extremist views the same way we protect them from abuse, substance misuse or gang violence. Importantly, we can provide a safe place for students to discuss these issues so they better understand how to protect themselves.
Why do students need to learn about radicalisation and extremism?
Education can be a powerful tool, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to think for themselves, to challenge and to debate; and giving students the opportunity to learn about different cultures and faiths and to gain an understanding of the values we share. Exploring ideas, developing a sense of identity and forming views are a normal part of growing up. Kingsmead School can support students by providing a safe environment for discussing challenging issues and helping them to understand how they can influence and participate in decision-making and how they can resist pressure and coercion assertively.
Kingsmead school supports students to build their resilience to radicalisation by promoting Modern British values and enabling them to challenge extremist views. It is important to emphasise that the Prevent duty is not intended to stop students debating controversial issues. On the contrary, students at Kingsmead school are provided with a safe space in which they and staff can understand the risks associated with terrorism and develop the knowledge and skills to be able to challenge extremist arguments.
Kingsmead School is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all its students. Every member of staff recognises that safeguarding against radicalisation and extremism is no different to safeguarding against any other vulnerability in today’s society. Our Safeguarding and Prevent Policy sets out our beliefs, strategies and procedures to protect vulnerable individuals from being radicalised or exposed to extremist views, by identifying who they are and promptly providing them with support.
