Biggleswade 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 Academy are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.

The Academy accepts admissions from all those entitled to an education under British law, including pupils of all faiths or none. It follows the policies outlined by Biggleswade Academy regarding equal opportunities, which guarantee that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or similar. It seeks to serve all.

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 ‘Prevent Strategy’ - values of:

• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect
• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

The Academy uses strategies within the National curriculum and beyond to secure such outcomes for pupils. Here are some examples of when British values are shared:

• Curriculum themes and topics
• Our curriculum prepares children for life in British Society; this includes developing the understanding and use of money, effective reading and writing skills, collaboration and discussion to research ideas and concepts.
• Curriculum themes include historical and geographical study in the context of the United Kingdom as well as national and international comparisons. Topic examples: World War II, the Seaside, The Great Fire of London and Florence Nightingale.
• Our assemblies uphold traditional values of empathy, respect and tolerance and these are reflected in the Values Program of learning at the Academy which reinforces these traditional values.

Education 4 Life

Mutual respect is also taught within circle time, formal Education 4 Life and Philosophy lessons and on an informal nature throughout the Academy days. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety policy and Education 4 Life work on keeping myself safe.

Philosophy

Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs is promoted in Philosophy as children gain a greater understanding of religious diversity and practices for those religions represented in the UK.
The local Churches are visited as part of the Philosophy curriculum.

PE

Promotion of the concept of “fair play”, following and developing rules, celebrating and rewarding success, accepting defeat and participating in activities that promote cooperation with others and inclusion for all form an integral part of the PE curriculum.

School Council/Values Ambassadors/Big Buddies

Pupil voice is significant in regards to life at Biggleswade Academy. Our democratically pupil elected school council plays a strong role in our school. They are elected by their class peers and are involved in making our school a better place to learn.

Pupil questionnaires and interviews are also conducted throughout the year. We know that the formation of the school council and the active participation of our pupils will sow the seeds for a more sophisticated understanding of democracy in the future.

This fosters the concept of freedom of speech and group action to address need and concerns.

Involvement in Key Local and National Events:

In recent years, we celebrated the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II and the Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton with special events, assemblies and themed lessons. Each year Armistice Day is remembered and children are encouraged to reflect on this.