How we support British Values
Schools have a duty to teach British Values including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those of other faiths and beliefs. Teachers are required in the conduct section of their Standards, to uphold public trust in the profession by not undermining fundamental British Values. The Deaf Academy expects all staff to model and teach these values. Our Equalities Policy makes clear our intention to provide the best education we can for all of our students regardless of race, faith, gender, age and sexual orientation.
Democracy
Children, parents and staff have many opportunities for their voices to be heard at the Deaf Academy. Democracy is central to how we operate. Some examples of democracy in practice are:
School and College Student Councils
The election of the School and College Councils mirrors the British electoral system and demonstrates democracy in action. Our School and Council Council’s give our students a voice on matters relevant to Academy life. Proposals made by its members can, and do, have a real impact on the rest of the School and College. They develop an understanding of democratic principles and gain experience of gathering information, sharing views, running a committee and making decisions. The students are elected to the council through the vote of their peers and are supported in their meetings by a member of staff.
The Deaf Academy Community Voice is actively sought
Students, staff, parents and Governors’ views are frequently sought when evaluating Academy programmes. Their views help to re-examine and build on the existing opportunities offered by the Academy.
The Rule of Law
The importance of rules and laws, whether they are those that govern our country or school, are frequently referred to and reinforced in assemblies, at pastoral time and when necessary, to reflect on behaviour choices. Some examples of the rule of law in practice are:
Across all subjects we model and teach the necessity for rules
At the start of each year a Pastoral session allows students to be taught or reflect on the value and reasons behind the rules which we enforce at the Deaf Academy. These rules are clearly understood by all and seen to be necessary to ensure that every class member is able to learn and contribute in a safe environment.
Clear system of rewards and consequences
The school’s Positive Behaviour System through the e-praise system is followed by all staff and students with weekly Celebration assemblies focusing on the achievements of students that week; those with the highest number of achievements will not only receive whole school praise, but each will take home a certificate to their family to help them to share their success. There is a consequence system to manage negative behaviour.
Community Police Officer
We have close links with our Community Police Officer who regularly visits the Academy to speak with students.
PSD, SMSC Events and Whole School Assemblies
Through these, students develop an understanding of British Law and that while different people may hold different views about what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, all people living in Britain are subject to these laws. Students are taught the value and reasons behind the laws that govern and protect us and the consequences when laws are broken.
Individual Liberty
Students make informed choices based on the evaluation of facts. Some examples of individual liberty in practice are:
Internet and Social Media
All students and staff have been taught about the risks attached to using the internet and how they can keep themselves and others safe through the Computer Science Curriculum, whole school assemblies and regular staff training. All staff and students sign a contract to adhere to the Acceptable Usage Policy (AUP). External organisations such as CEOPS, DEFAX and the police support through whole Academy events.
Tailored curriculum and provision that aims to meet needs and aspirations
Through the Curriculum Pathways, Enrichment Programme and work-related learning students are offered a wide range of activities to identify and develop their passions, abilities and entrepreneurship.
Sports Leadership programmes
Sports Leaders are invaluable members of the Academy community. They work closely with staff helping to create a happy and harmonious sporting environment. They receive Leadership Training and all participants are involved in taking some responsibility for organising break and lunchtime games. Students are also given the opportunity to lead parts of Whole School Sports Competitions.
Mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs
The Deaf Academy is a microcosm of the global society we all belong to. We are proud to promote and celebrate our different backgrounds and beliefs.
Learning Outside the Classroom and Cultural Programmes enrich our students’ experiences
All students will have the opportunity to be actively involved in their learning through real-life experiences beyond the classroom walls. As well as local opportunities, they will also have exposure to national cultural, religious, sporting, professional tutoring and community engagement experiences. The cultural curriculum is hooked onto a dynamic visit programme to many museums, theatre productions, and art and music events across the country.
Local, National and Global Links
Throughout the academic year all our students have the opportunity to meet with students from different schools, either locally and or nationally.
Radicalisation and Extremism
The Deaf Academy supports the Government’s PREVENT strategy which has been set up to protect students from becoming radicalised extremists. Our Safeguarding Team attends local authority training sessions. Our positive engagement team are vigilant in looking out for the early warning signs of radicalisation. All education and care staff receive bi-annual training in this area.
What is SMSC and why is it important?
SMSC stands for Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development. This is achieved by embedding these core values and beliefs into all subjects, targeting specific issues in Pastoral time, and addressing international events of significance throughout the school year in assemblies and through projects.
In the School and College provision at the Deaf Academy, SMSC encourages each student to:
- be confident, independent, life-long learners who are aware of the communities around them and the roles they can play in them.
- respect and reflect upon the contributions they and others make in a diverse society.
- engage with all aspects of learning across the curriculum and beyond with curiosity, imagination and creativity.
- make informed decisions that have a positive impact on their social, economic and emotional wellbeing.
- explore, experience and engage in their own and others’ creativity across a range of arts and cultural activities.
- develop the social skills and understanding needed to enable self-advocacy and advocacy for others.
- develop an awareness of how to assure their rights and fulfil their responsibilities.