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British Values

British Values underpin what it is to be a citizen in a modern and diverse Great Britain valuing our community and celebrating diversity of the UK.

The Department for Education defines these values as:

  • Democracy
  • The rule of law
  • Individual liberty
  • Mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

UVHS promotes the understanding and respect of British Values in the following ways:

  • Through Victoria Values which lie at the heart of the schools’ ethos.
  • Through school assemblies and themed weeks
  • Through the pastoral tutor system.
  • Through a strong school Parliament.
  • Through activities which promote links between the school and the local and global community.
  • Through the Anti-Racism committee in school in conjunction with Leeds Beckett University

Our broad curriculum allows us to build Cultural Capital links, and Diversity opportunities to reinforce mutual respect and tolerance. Below are examples of our British Values:

Democracy 

  • UVHS takes part in UK Parliament Week annually
  • We run own successful School Parliament where students promote themselves and are voted in by their form peers
  • The same methodology is used when voting for Head Boy / Head Girl in Year 11 and the 6th Form
  • Students learn about the importance of Freedom Of Speech in lesson and in assemblies
  • Power and conflict is taught in History lessons 
  • In Year 10 Religious Studies, students learn about a “Just War,” terrorism and the purpose of prison 
  • Students know why have the right to their own opinion or voice
  • In Year 9 as part of Political Philosophy, students learn about the different types of voting systems, and what different political parties can offer

The rule of law 

  • Rules, school expectations, positive behaviour for learning to reduce the chances of sanction and morally what is right are engrained in UVHS students which we believe helps them become citizens who will be positive and law abiding
  • Students know that following rules develops order, and this is seen as an example in the way they silently enter assembly and show respect to the lead speaker
  • Law can be studied as a qualification at UVHS
  • Students start Year 7 in Religious Studies learning about how the Decalogue is a foundation of UK and International law
  • In Year 9, students learn about the rule of law as part of their Political Philosophy term in Religious Studies
  • In Year 8 students learn about the development of the constitutional monarchy which we have today by studying the Stuart dynasty, including Civil War, Bill of Rights and Act of Union. 

Individual liberty 

  • Students are allowed to thrive and become the best version of themselves, gaining self-esteem and confidence
  • Students know they are ambassadors for our school and wear our uniform with pride
  • Students have the right to learn freely without restriction. Our behaviour for learning policy which students respect allows them to work towards or achieve their ambitious targets. It allows them to be independent or work collaboratively without fear of discrimination or exclusion.

Mutual respect for tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs 

  • Staff and students understand the importance of respect for each other, and their peers
  • We have a clear anti bullying policy, and students can report bullying to staff, or through the schools “Report Bullying” button on the student links of the website.
  • UVHS promotes education to allow for acceptance of all and is a non-denominational centre. However, we have a robust Religious Studies program from Year 7-13
  • Students learn about the caste system as part of the Year 9 curriculum on Hinduism and India. They also learn about personal freedoms such as speech and religion. They also consider why so many people have a faith, and reflect on their own beliefs.
  • During Abrahmaic religious studies in Year 7, students learn about different cultures around the world, at the start of their course, they also learn about the importance and limitations of tolerance and respect
  • At Year 10, students in Religious Studies learn about the right to die, the ethics of suicide, gender and transgender as part of their Christian Beliefs: Peace & Conflict: Religion, Crime & Punishment.

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