British values

Promoting universal human values

Our vision states:
We are a caring and inclusive learning environment; delivering an ambitious curriculum, enabling high-achievement for all. Creating confident, compassionate and independent individuals, who positively contribute to society.

We are committed to raising aspirations for all our learners so they can achieve their full potential and become active citizens.  Promoting universal human values is an essential part of our wider curriculum which also includes other aspects of SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development) and careers' education. At the heart of our culture and curriculum is that every learner leaves us as a respectful, aspiring and forward-thinking young person. 

We are proud of our rich and diverse learning community and advocate that every learner is respectful of all individuals and groups, regardless of their background, including; faith, ethnicity, gender and sexuality, politics or financial wellbeing.

Our fundamental human values are:

• Democracy
• Law
• Freedom
• Independence
• Respect
• Equality

Our Communication for Learning programme promotes human values through a structured programme of lessons and assemblies.  It is an integral part of the curriculum.  

Democracy

• Our whole school ethos promotes democracy through promoting a love of learning where all questions and opinions are valued and encouraged
• Learner Leadership Teams
• Whole school elections of Prefects and Head Prefects
• Learner voice – curriculum feedback and through Learner Leadership Teams
• Parent/carer voice – we have an active Stronger Together (Parent/Carer Forum) group who meet regularly
• Consideration of local and national democracy through PSCHE lessons
• Celebration and achievement assemblies
• Enrichment Shadow Elections, running alongside both local and national elections

Law

• Our school ethos promotes equality and respect on all levels. Through our anti-bullying and Behaviour for Learning policies we set clear boundaries on the difference between what is right and wrong and we have high expectations for all learners
• Raising awareness of anti-bullying though national Anti-Bullying Week and Safer Internet Day
• PSHCE lessons teach learners about the value of laws and its place in society

Freedom

• Our school environment promotes liberty, independence and individuality.
• Learners are encouraged to know and understand their rights and personal freedoms. This is delivered through PSCHE lessons and Communication for Learning so our young people know how to exercise their rights and freedoms safely, and have an opportunity to do so
• Learner Leadership gives an opportunity for our young people to have voice and they have successfully run a number of different initiatives, many around fundraising
• We challenge stereotypes and offer a fully inclusive curriculum to all learners

Independence

• We have a whole school culture and ethos that promotes and builds high aspirations and resilience
• Our growth mindset allows staff to promote positive self-esteem and sense of self amongst all learners. This helps to heighten their aspirations through a 'can do' attitude.
• We encourage all learners to take part in extracurricular activities, which help to build learner resilience and independence
• We offer a wide range enrichment opportunities outside the classroom, which build learner independence and help to prepare them for their futures and career pathways
• 100% of learners leave BGS to go into employment, further education or apprenticeships which is aided by our high aspirations for all

Respect

• At the heart of our learning community is respect. We strive for excellence in everything and aim to give learners, from every background, the education they deserve and the best life chances
• Displays around school promote respect for each other and themselves, this is also demonstrated through our Behaviour for Learning policy
• School assemblies are used to address respect and what this means
• Staff and learners are encouraged to challenge behaviour that shows prejudice and discrimination

Equality

• We are a very diverse school community which is something we are very proud of.
• Learners organise and take part in regular fundraising events such as food bank donations and Children in Need, which help support people that are less fortunate
• Through our Religious Studies (RS) and PSCHE curriculum, learners have the opportunity to discuss and respect differences between people on topics such as religion, ethnicity, disabilities, gender, sexuality or family situations. BTEC Health and Social Care and GCSE RS enable learners to study these areas in greater depth
• Links and visits are promoted with local faith groups and communities and places of worship, such as local churches and mosques. At school we celebrate world faith days such as Christmas, Diwali and Eid through in-school celebrations