We are committed to serving our community and recognise the multicultural, multifaith and ever changing nature of the United Kingdom.
We also understand the vital role the Academy plays 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. We follow guidance set out by the government as part of their 2011 ‘Prevent Strategy‘ to ensure we tackle this issue as appropriate.
We have policies in place to ensure fairness and equity for all and ensure there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or similar.
We are dedicated to preparing students for their adult life through a balanced and dynamic curriculum which promotes and reinforces British values to all our students.
The five key British values are:
The Academy uses strategies within the national curriculum and devised schemes of learning to secure such outcomes for students.
Democracy is embedded at the Academy. Students both learn about democracy and practise it throughout all years and key stages. Issues of importance are highlighted and discussed within lessons, tutor time and assemblies. Debates have been held by older students; we hold events such as mock general elections in preparation for their real voting experience.
The Academy Council has members from across all year groups and plays an active role in sharing students’ views and suggesting improvements to the Academy.
Students are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and with concern to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard.
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the Academy or the country, are consistently reinforced at our academy. Students are taught from the first day the rules of the Academy and the need to understand and comply in society.
Students are taught the values and reasons behind rules and laws; that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. The Academy has strong links with Suffolk Police and the Fire Service as well as the community as a whole.
At our academy, students are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. We educate and provide boundaries for students to make informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education. Students are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety policy, and through PSHE lessons and assemblies.
Anti-bullying ambassadors are active and identifiable in the Academy. Anti-bullying week is recognised by the Academy and whole-school assemblies promote the message to all pupils in every year group.
We invite external agencies to reinforce our message.
The Heads of Year and Pastoral Managers are approachable for students who may need to talk to staff regarding issues or concerns.
Respect is one of the core values of our academy. Respect is addressed in our Schemes of Learning in both PSHE and Philosophy and Ethics. Assemblies focus on respect for others and reinforce the Academy’s message. Students know and understand that it is expected and meet our high expectations on a day to day basis by showing respect to everyone, whatever differences we may have. The core value of respect underpins our work every day, both in and out of the classroom.
Tolerance and diversity of religions and beliefs are themes heavily implemented into schemes of learning across philosophy and ethics, PSHE and history, across all year groups at the Academy. The philosophy and ethics curriculum in particular fully embraces and respects all different religions, and those also with a humanist or atheist viewpoint. All of the six main world religions are addressed in KS3 with a deeper focus in KS4 and KS5.
Trips to places of worship allow students to consider their own religious viewpoints and also those of others. Assemblies promote acceptance of others with different faiths and viewpoints. A strong and regular focus on SMSC issues in tutor time allows all students to be able to freely share their thoughts, ideas and beliefs with others in a secure and safe environment. At our academy, we actively challenge students, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British values, including extremist views.