Promotion of British Values
At Blenheim we recognise the importance of allowing students flourishing academically and socially beyond the formal curriculum. Part of this process is the promotion and reinforcement of British values to our students.
Democracy, Rule of Law, Individual Liberty, Mutual Respect and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs informs much of the work that is undertaken at Blenheim. These values are reinforced not only in our day to day practices but in year group assemblies, Life Skills and Wellbeing lessons and Blenheim's annual Whole School Remembrance Sevirce.
Students receive regular assemblies which are always informed by Blenheim's values including the British values.
Personal, social, health and economic education is delivered as part of the Curriculum at Blenheim through the school's Life Skills and Wellbeing (LSWB) programme. LSWB covers a wide range of topics with significant reference to British Values.
Such is the school's belief in the British values that the entire school community observes an annual 2 minute collective silence as part of a Remembrance Day service. The service is held on the school site and led by the Head Boy, Head Girl and Headteacher. The Epitaph and Last Post are trumpeted by a student and the silence impeccably observed. The service is a reminder of the sacrifices that previous generations made so that we can enjoy the freedoms and values that we do today.
Democracy
The principle of democracy is consistently reinforced, with the democratic process being employed for important decisions within the school community, for instance, elections being held for the position of Head Boy and Girl, prefect and Form Captain. The principle of democracy is particularly explored in History, Religious Studies and assemblies. The School Council meets frequently with a member of the school's Leadership Team with suggestions and ideas of how to improve the school.
The Rule of Law
Blenheim's rules and expectations are highlighted by the student Code of Conduct.
The importance of wider laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced. Students are taught the value and rationale behind laws, including their governance, their role in protecting citizens and the consequences when laws are broken.
Liberty
Students are actively encouraged to make good choices and to be the best version of themselves every day. Students exercise their freedoms knowing they are in a safe, secure and supportive environment. Students understand their personal freedoms at Blenheim. As an iPad school, students receive feedback about how to stay safe online, for example through E-Safety work.
Blenheim has a robust anti-bullying culture and a comprehensive Behaviour and Uniform Policy, which is circulated regularly to students and parents through the Headteacher's Weekly Bulletin.
Mutual Respect
The school promotes respect for others and this is reiterated through our classroom and learning environments. In line with our commitment to democracy, students are always able to voice their opinions and we foster an environment where students are safe to disagree with each other. All members of the school community treat each other with respect and this is reiterated through teaching and learning environments.
Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
This is achieved through equipping students with the ability to understand their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity within the school community. Students benefit from the links with our link school in Kenya and welcoming their students to our school. Students from both schools benefit in learning about each other’s school and cultures. Students are actively encouraged to share their faith and beliefs within the school. Our Religious Studies curriculum provides a broad and balanced education on a range of faiths, religions and cultures.
Blenheim High School aims to ensure that all students leave with a strong foundation of values in order to build a successful life and a successful contribution to our Society.
Should you feel that the school is not meeting this requirement, you should contact the school office and request to express your concerns with the Headteacher. Likewise, if you feel that anyone working at the school is undermining these values you should also report this to the Headteacher.
