British Values at SOFEA

In line with the guidance on the government’s website we will seek ways to

  • consider the strengths, advantages and disadvantages of democracy, and how democracy and the law works in Britain, in contrast to other forms of government in other countries
  • ensure all pupils within the school have a voice that is listened to, and demonstrate how democracy works by actively promoting democratic processes such as a school council whose members are voted for by the pupils
  • use opportunities such as general or local elections to hold mock elections to promote fundamental British values and provide pupils with the opportunity to learn how to argue and defend points of view
  • consider the role of extra-curricular activity, including any run directly by pupils, in promoting fundamental British values

Democracy

In our work we will develop an understanding of how citizens can influence decision-making through the democratic process

direct democracy was established in Athens, where all eligible citizens (in reality very few) voted directly on all issues.

This idea has been developed into representative where citizens elect someone to act on their behalf, in Britain citizens are still referred to as subjects because of the influence of the monarchy. While universal suffrage is important, it only applies to those over 18.

In the UK our democracy is demonstrated through representatives we elect to the House of Commons

The House of Lords and the Constitutional Monarchy are not elected.

The most important democratic bodies that influence our lives on a day to day basis are the Town and District Councils.

It is not true to say a student council, a survey or a focus group is part of a democratic process unless it is clear exactly how there is a direct impact on decision making and how those making the decisions can be held accountable.

At SOFEA, democracy means:

  • That everyone’s voice is heard equally
  • That decision making is not arbitrary (although it is not democratic either)
  • That we engage with council consultation exercises (at Town, District and County levels)
  • We interact as much as possible with our elected representatives
  • We seek ways to increase the representation of young people in their local communities
  • We are working towards Board representation for young people, staff and volunteers

Rule of Law:

We will develop an understanding that the freedom to hold other faiths and beliefs is protected in law

Aristotle ‘Law should govern’, which means that the agreed set of rules should be what determines actions and not the arbitrary decisions of individuals or groups. This protects people from random or partial decisions.

The law is enforced by the police and justice is determined by the judiciary, these institutions are subject to the law and enforce the law by consent, one of the important issues here is that the police remain largely unarmed

It is not the rule of law to wear ID badges, policies, procedures, norms and conventions should be distinguished from law.

At SOFEA the Rule of Law means:

  • Supporting young people who are involved in the criminal justice system
  • Protecting young people and children from illegal acts
  • Supporting young people, volunteers and staff with their interactions with other organs of the state
  • Upholding Health and Safety and Food Safety laws in the working environment

Individual Liberty:

We will develop an understanding of what it means to be free and when this right may be circumscribed

International Declaration of Human Rights enshrines the right to freedom of expression, freedom of association and freedom to protest.

Economic freedom is equally as important as these freedoms, as to be truly free individuals need to be able to exchange their labour fairly for access to economic wellbeing

At SOFEA individual liberty means:

  • Having a choice, without compulsion
  • Developing agency so that young people can speak up for themselves
  • Ensuring a safe environment so that everyone’s voice is heard
  • Breaking barriers to promote economic and social freedoms
  • Challenging behaviour which circumscribes the freedom of others

Mutual Respect:

We will develop an acceptance that people having different faiths or beliefs to oneself (or having none) should be accepted and tolerated, and should not be the cause of prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour

Mutual respect means respecting the rights of others and their views, even when they are different from one’s own

At SOFEA, mutual respect means:

  • An inclusive culture, with no hierarchy
  • A place where authority is determined by expertise and skill, not position or power
  • Needs are heard, understood and responded to
  • Space is devoted to listening and responding

Tolerance of Faiths and Beliefs

We will develop an understanding of the importance of identifying and combatting discrimination

We have an established church in Great Britain, the Church of England is part of the institutions of state. The Queen is the head of the Church and Bishops, unelected, sit in the House of Lords. In this context we need to ensure that people of all faiths and none can practice their beliefs without prejudice

At SOFEA tolerance means

  • Challenging stereotyped or offensive views
  • Participating in a therapeutic group to understand others
  • Being respectful of others’ beliefs and rituals, especially of those fasting in a food enterprise

1E Trident House, Trident Business Park, DidcotOX11 7HJ Tel:01235 510774

Charity Number 1155783