At The St Augustine’s Academy, we think it is very important that our pupils develop a strong set of values and principles, and that they question and understand what it means to grow up in British society. Through a rich and challenging humanities curriculum, and through a focus on key events in British History, we invite pupils to reflect upon their role in a diverse, multicultural and multi faith society.
Through a focus on multiculturalism and identity in Year 5 and Year 6, we equip pupils with a mature, respectful and sensitive appreciation for difference and diversity. In discussing what it means to be British, children engage critically with stereotypes and prejudices and develop an understanding of how we can celebrate our heritage and home cultures whilst also embracing the ties that bind us together.
We inculcate a deeply embedded appreciation of the values of fairness and democracy through our humanities curriculum as well as through our use of a school council, in which children seek to be elected as class representatives.
Our geography curriculum casts a light on global citizenship and the rule of law, including the role of democratic advocacy for change.
Our school is enriched by the faith of our school community, and we teach an inclusive and all embracing Religious Education curriculum that teaches pupils about the beliefs and practices of all major religious groups, and indeed the shared values that religion can promote in synchrony with core British values.
As a school that serves a diverse community, we take our responsibility to promote community cohesion, generate a respect for difference and individual rights seriously. Our challenging curriculum enables pupils to recognise the valuable role that they play as emerging citizens in British society.
Democracy is embedded within our school. Pupils are always listened to and understand that their opinions and votes count. Our children respect that every individual has a right to their own opinion and to have their voices heard. For example, our School Council and House Captains are voted for by the pupils and refelect the different voices of the houses and classes.
Each class discusses and sets their own rules to ensure that every class member is able to learn in a safe and dynamic learning environment. Our pupils are taught through stories and current events, the value and reasons behind laws that are there to govern and protect us.
Beginning in Foundation Stage, children are encouraged to make their own individual choices, in a safe and supportive environment. As a school, we educate and provide boundaries for pupils to make safe and informed choices. All of our pupils learn about the importance of internet safety and respect personal freedoms through PSHE. We also provide opportunities for children to develop extra-curricular interests.
At The St Augustine’s Academy, respect is a key principle which all children understand is an imperative part of living in modern Britain. Our school enhances pupil understanding of different faiths and beliefs through religious education, PSHE, celebrations and inter-school competitions. We support children in their understanding of diversity, in order for them to recognise and respect both similarities and differences.
At The St Augustine’s Academy, we celebrate being British and our Heritage. Our History and Geography curriculum, follows the chronological development of Britain.
Our British Values Framework is designed to provide all children with weekly 30 minute ‘Promoting Tolerance’ sessions. These are very philosophical in approach. This ensures that children’s general awareness and tolerance of other faiths and beliefs is developed gradually as they move through the Key Stages. If you would like further details on our British Values framework, please do not hesitate to contact the Academy.
Rationale
A key part of our plan for education is to ensure children become valuable and fully rounded members of society who treat others with respect and tolerance, regardless of background. (Lord Nash)
What does it mean to be British? How do we promote British values?
The St Augustine’s Academy believes that all young people need to leave school prepared for life in modern Britain. We all have a duty to ‘actively promote’ the fundamental British values of:
The St Augustine’s Academy aims to promote the fundamental British Values through the following curriculum areas:
Through the structured framework, The St Augustine’s Academy will aim to ensure that:
