Freemantle C.E. Community Academy is required under section 78 of the Education Act (2002) to promote the spiritual, moral, mental and physical development of pupils. As of November 2013, schools also need promote fundamental British values as part of the school curriculum.

Freemantle Academy is committed to serving its community. It recognises the multi-cultural, multi-faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom. It also understands the vital role it has in ensuring that groups or individuals within the school are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.

In accordance with The Department for Education we aim to actively promote British values in schools to ensure young people leave school prepared for life in modern Britain. Pupils are encouraged to regard people of all faiths, races and cultures with respect and tolerance and understand that while different people may hold different views about what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, all people living in England are subject to its law.

It follows equal opportunities guidance which guarantees that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or similar. Freemantle Academy is dedicated to preparing pupils for their adult life beyond the formal, examined curriculum and ensuring that it promotes and reinforces British values to all its pupils.

The DfE has suggested that pupils are taught about fundamental British values throughout all of school life. Pupils are expected to display knowledge of the fundamental aspects of British values. The government has outlined their expectations, stating that pupils should:

• Understand the democratic process and how citizens can have a say in decision making.
• Recognise the advantages to living under the rule of law and how law is essential for a safe society.
• See that there is a separation of power and why it exists.
• Understand the reasons for accountability of institutions and why courts maintain independence.
• Know why freedom of religion protects all faiths, as well as those with no faith.
• Accept that people who hold different religious beliefs should be tolerated and not be discriminated against.
• Value the importance of identifying and combatting extremism.

The key British Values are: 

• Democracy

• Rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect
• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

At Freemantle we actively promote British values and challenge radicalisation through:

• Focusing on and showing how the Academy’s work is effective in securing these values
• Challenging pupils, staff or parents who express opinions contrary to British values
• Help pupils to express their views and value the power of pupil voice
• Provide pupils with a broad general knowledge of, and promote respect for, public institutions and services
• Teach pupils how they can influence decision-making through the democratic process including voting
• Include in the curriculum information on the advantages and disadvantages of democracy and how it works in Britain
• Encourage pupils to become involved in decision-making processes and ensure they are listened to in school
• Hold debates so pupils learn how to argue and defend points of view (KS2)
• Model how perceived injustice can be peacefully challenged
• Ensure school rules and expectations are clear and fair and communicated consistently via our three school rules of ‘Ready, Respect, Safe’ and through our ‘Learning behaviours for success’
• Helping pupils to distinguish right from wrong
• Helping pupils to respect the law and the basis on which it is made
• Helping pupils to understand that living under the rule of law protects individuals
• Support pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence
• Encourage pupils to take responsibility for their behaviour, as well as knowing their rights – encouraging restorative practices where appropriate
• Model freedom of speech through pupil participation, while ensuring protection of our vulnerable pupils and promoting critical analysis of evidence
• Challenge stereotypes
• Implementing a strong anti-bullying culture and raising awareness through participation in anti-bullying week
• Exploring and promoting online safety
• Promoting respect for individual differences
• Helping pupils to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life
• Challenging prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour
• Organising visits to places of worship
• Developing links with faith and other communities through RE and working alongside children and their families
• Learning to disagree in a respectful way
• Developing critical personal thinking skills
• Teach pupils to be aware of specific danger signs and what to look out for when it comes to radicalisation – extreme views or thoughts.
• Make children aware, age appropriately, of situations troubling the world.