British Values

The Government emphasises that schools are required to ensure that key ‘British Values’ are taught in all UK schools. The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy.

Kemnal Technology College is committed to actively promoting British Values throughout the curriculum. We understand British values to mean democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. 

Our students are encouraged to:

  • Understand how citizens can influence decision-making through the democratic process
  • Understand that the freedom to hold other faiths and beliefs is protected by law 
  • Have an acceptance that people have different faiths or beliefs from oneself (or have none)
  • Be accepting and tolerating of others, and should not be the cause of prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour
  • Understand the importance of identifying and combating discrimination

We actively promote these values through our:

  • School Ethos 'We are Safe. We are Resilient. We are Compassionate.'
  • Assemblies
  • Student Voice Activities e.g School Council
  • Enrichment activities and clubs
  • Sporting events
  • Educational visits and learning outside the classroom
  • Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme
  • Wider curriculum links

At KTC, the principle of democracy is consistently reinforced, with the democratic process being employed for important decisions within the school community, for instance, elected School Council/Prefects including their involvement in the election of student leadership positions. The principle of democracy is explored in History and Citizenship as well as in PSE and assemblies.

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are reinforced, throughout regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies and our PSHE delivery. Students are taught the values and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken.

Our behaviour curriculum is transparent, and our classroom expectations are fair and just, with clear procedures if they are not adhered to. Our school wide expectations are aimed at preparing our young people for the wider world, encouraging organisation, professional appearance (school uniform), accountability and punctuality.

Within KTC, students are actively encouraged to make independent choices, with the knowledge that they are in a safe, secure and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for students to make choices safety, through the provision of a safe environment and an empowering education. Students are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights, responsibilities and personal freedoms and receive advice about how to exercise these safely through our extensive PSHE Curriculum. We work hard to make sure our students feel safe to be themselves, working on LGBTQ+, relationships, mental and sexual health issues, as well as identity and body positivity.

Our students are celebrated every day with reward points and regular end of term recognition assemblies with certificates and awards. Students are taught the knowledge and skills to broaden the choices they are empowered to make about future work, travel and education and student viewpoints are integral to the option process for Key Stage 4 and beyond.

Respect is at the core of our school ethos and is modelled by students and staff alike. Students learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. The school promotes respect for others and this is reiterated through our classroom and learning environments. All members of our school community treat each other with respect and this is reiterated through its teaching and learning environments. We ensure our young people understand that it is okay to have a difference of opinion and that it is important to listen to others.

In line with our commitment to democracy students at KTC are always able to voice their opinions though our Prefect Team and we foster an environment where students are safe to disagree with each other. Mutual respect is continuously embraced and echoed; we are proud of the mutual respect and support that our students uphold across all year groups.

This is achieved through equipping students with the ability to understand their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity within the school community. Through our PSHE curriculum students will develop the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to lead confident, healthy and independent lives. Additionally, students are actively encouraged to share their faith and beliefs within the school and celebrate festivities throughout the calendar year. Our curriculum provides a broad and balanced education on a range of faiths, religions and cultures.

We continually strive to ensure that our students leave with the strongest foundation of values upon which to build a successful future and make a significant contribution to our society.