British Values Statement

At Callington Community College we promote ‘British Values’ through the entire curriculum as part of our SMSC provision. We fully recognise the multi-cultural, multi faith and ever-changing face of Britain. We understand the crucial role the whole community plays in promoting diversity, tolerance and understanding in a rural community.

The College recognises the importance of this aspect of the curriculum especially in an area of Britain where our students have a limited access to people of different faiths, beliefs and cultures. We acknowledge the need for discussion of the term ‘British values’ and seek to promote on-going debate and exploration of what it means to be British.

As a Rights Respecting College we believe that every member of the College Community has a part to play in modelling and promoting respect for others and upholding the ‘British Values’. These values are outlined in the government guidance on Promoting Fundamental British Values: November 2014 Ref DFE-00679- 2014. They are:

Democracy

Students have many opportunities for their voice to be heard. We have an elected student council with democratic elections held once a year. In addition all tutor groups have tutor representatives who gather feedback via our tutor feedback sheets. This is then fed back to the council and actions are agreed and acted upon. Students meet regularly with the Principal to share their views. There are many other student groups where students lead, represent others’ views and make decisions, for example the Teaching and Learning Group and the Social Spaces Group. There are regular student surveys (whole school and classroom based), to gather the views of students to inform planning.

Democracy is a significant part of the PSHEE and Citizenship curriculum as well as part of the Ideas to Live and Learn By Programme (ITLLB).

Rule of Law

The College has strong links with Police Community Officers, Youth Intervention Officers and Education officers who liaise on the Prevent agenda and other key issues. Students are taught the value and reasons behind the laws that govern and protect us, the responsibilities involved and they are taught to understand the consequences when laws are broken. Through the Rights Respecting work at the College we encourage students to set codes of behaviour and we help students make decisions and choices that respect the school and wider community creating an environment of respect and responsibility.

Individual Liberty

The College is committed to creating a learning environment that produces the right conditions for students to become resilient and independent learners. We set high expectations and encourage our students to set challenging personal targets. Students are encouraged to become active and valued citizens. The College has a strong tradition of volunteering and we promote this through our Leadership Programme as well as our House Projects, where students are encouraged to develop creative projects linked to their House Charity or UNCRC (United Convention for the Rights of the Child) article.

Mutual Respect

Respect is a strong part of the College’s ethos and vision. Students learn their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the College community are expected to treat each other with respect and this is reinforced in every area of the curriculum and beyond: through Houses, our Ideas to Live and Learn By Programme and all assemblies.

Tolerance and acceptance of those with different cultures and beliefs

As a College in a rural community we recognise the importance of providing opportunities that promote acceptance of other cultures and beliefs. As well as having a number of international staff in the college our students benefit from many international visitors and visits. In addition tutor groups work on House projects that have a strong emphasis on global issues. The RE curriculum provides a broad and balanced education on a range of faiths and cultures and the PSHEE and Citizenship curriculum ensures all opportunities are taken to broaden our students’ knowledge of other cultures. In staff planning of schemes of work all teachers aim to develop students’ understanding of SMSC and include consideration of British values. In addition House and Year assemblies, the Ideas to Live and Learn By programme and Collapsed Curriculum days regularly promote tolerance and respect.

The College has recently become part of the Global Learning Programme recognised by Ofsted for its contribution to SMSC. The College holds the International Award and has led and been part of a number of International partnerships.

At the College we strive to ensure that our students leave with the strongest foundation of values upon which to build a successful life and make a full contribution to our society.