British Values

At MHS, we are committed to modelling inclusivity and celebrating diversity. We aim to send out young people who will be champions of those values in the wider community.

We have policies in place to ensure fairness and equity for all and ensure there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or any other protected characteristic. We also understand the vital role the school plays in ensuring that groups or individuals are not subjected to intimidation, exploitation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them. Our PSHE programme, safeguarding and prevent duty procedures and training support this.

Preparing students for successful adult life in today’s society includes promoting and reinforcing British values. We actively challenge any member of our school community who expresses opinions contrary to fundamental British values.

The five key British values are:

• Democracy

• The rule of law

• Individual liberty

• Mutual respect

• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

Democracy

Democracy is modelled at MHS. Students both learn about democracy and practise it throughout all years. Issues of importance are highlighted and discussed within lessons, tutor time, the student bulletin and assemblies. We have a debate topic followed by a vote each term.

The School Council has members from across all year groups and plays an active role in sharing students’ views and suggesting improvements.

Students are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and with concern to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard.

Rule of law

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced at our academy. From the first day, students are taught the rules of the school and the links between readiness, responsibility, respectfulness and compliance.

The PSHE programme introduces students to relevant laws and legislation in an age appropriate way. The school has strong links with a community police officer.

Individual liberty

We have built a school culture that values the freedom of each individual to be who they are but to accept that being a member of a community also has its own responsibilities.

Students are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our ICT acceptable use policy, and through PSHE lessons and assemblies. Issues of liberties and responsibilities are also addresses in Reality in years 9-11.

Mutual respect

Respect is one of the core values of our school. Respect is addressed in PSHE, in assemblies and is reinforced in our rules, expectations and day to day interactions. Students know what is expected and meet our high expectations on a day to day basis by showing respect to everyone, both in and out of the classroom.

Open-mindedness / Tolerance

Tolerance is modelled and expected in all subjects and contexts throughout the taught curriculum and in extra curricular activities. Interest in and appreciation of the diversity of beliefs and non religious opinions are developed throughout a students’ study of RE and Reality during their 5 years at MHS. Issues such as racism, homophobia and prejudice are addressed directly via PSHE