British/Community Values

At Mill Hill County High School we value and respect our diverse community and recognise this as a huge asset to the School. Through our approach to teaching and learning, the design of our curriculum and the creation of the School’s ethos we aim to prepare students for life in Modern Britain. We do this through the promotion of British Values, as outlined by the Department for Education. We recognise that these values are not exclusive to being British and are accepted as being values that promote a society that allows all individuals to feel safe, respected and valued. We, at Mill Hill County High School, believe that these are therefore representative of our Community Values.

What are British Values?

British Values are defined by the DfE as:

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

The DfE wants to ensure that through their provision of spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of students that schools should:

• enable students to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence;
• enable students to distinguish right from wrong and to respect the civil and criminal law of England;
• encourage students to accept responsibility for their behaviour, show initiative, and to understand how they can contribute positively to the lives of those living and working in the locality of the school and to society more widely;
• enable students to acquire a broad general knowledge of and respect for public institutions and services in England;
• further tolerance and harmony between different cultural traditions by enabling students to acquire an appreciation of and respect for their own and other cultures;
• encourage respect for other people; and
• encourage respect for democracy and support for participation in the democratic processes, including respect for the basis on which the law is made and applied in England.

How do we promote our Community Values at Mill Hill County High School?

British / Community values are promoted through lessons at all key stages. PSCHE is a particularly rich area that specifically focusses on these core values, as outlined below:

Democracy 

Democracy is looked at through a number of schemes of learning which cover how democracy is challenged through lessons on ‘Human Rights’, ‘Extremism’ and students’ right to free speech. Within the PSCHE curriculum this is explored on both a local and global level through lessons on political participation, UK Government and Global governance. 

The concepts of voting and ‘opportunity for all’ is regularly explored through the election of Student Voice Representatives. 

Rule of law 

Within the PSCHE curriculum students are taught what the rule of law is in conjunction with a number of different topics. They are asked to consider why laws are in place, the protections they offer and understand the reason and importance behind them. This is incorporated in content around Extremism and Radicalisation, RSE, Internet Safety and criminal law as well as Human Rights around race and discrimination. 

Individual liberty 

The PSCHE curriculum, students are taught to understand their rights, personal freedoms and responsibilities in relation to the UK and global comparisons. Advice on how to exercise these rights as well as an appreciation of them is regularly promoted through a host of schemes of work on topics ranging from the right to education, to their rights around consent, contraception and healthcare. 

Mutual Respect 

Within PSCHE this is the central tenant of all discussion and debate work about differences between people based on ethnicity, gender, sexuality, identity, culture and ideology.  It is also highlighted within our RSE programme as part of what constitutes a healthy relationship.  

Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs 

The PSCHE curriculum this is explored mainly through our Citizenship programme. Through this Human Rights, Extremism and Bereavement are considered from the perspectives of gaining knowledge and understanding of people of different faiths and beliefs.