“British Values” are embedded in the school curriculum contributing to our spiritual, moral, social and cultural education. This supports the development of the “whole child” and ensures our pupils leave school prepared for life in modern Britain.
We recognise that such development is most successful when those values and attitudes are promoted by all the staff and provide a model of behaviour for our pupils.
The curriculum at Al Islah Girls’ High School offers broad and balanced opportunities.
“British Values” have been identified as:
- Democracy:
The ability to understand and communicate are the most important areas of learning. We ensure that pupils are given a “voice” to communicate. This “voice” could be using words, signing, objects, photographs, pictures, assistive technology, symbols, touch cues, eye pointing or body language.
We empower our pupils by giving them opportunities to make choices about the things that they believe to be important. By valuing each “voice” and by listening and responding to that voice we demonstrate that we support democracy and liberty.
We have an active Student Council and pupils make decisions during these Shura meetings.
- Rule of Law:
We involve pupils in setting rules and staff support pupils to make decisions and choices that are acceptable to the school community and society at large.
Pupils are helped to learn to manage their behaviour and take responsibility for their actions. Staff are committed to providing a consistent and predictable environment within the school and beyond. We endeavour to help pupils to understand the consequences of their behaviour and actions. This enables pupils to feel safe and secure and promotes the optimum conditions for learning to take place.
- Individual Liberty
Pupils are encouraged to become good and valued citizens. We do this by supporting each pupil to become as independent as possible. Al Islah Girls’ High School endeavors to demonstrate that everyone has rights; this includes the right to say ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ to ideas or activities. Some pupils will be able to take responsibility for particular roles and to understand that with certain rights comes a level of responsibility. Learning to do things independently is an important part of learning to understand yourself. We support others by participating in charitable events such as, Water Aid, Macmillan Coffee Morning and Al-Imdaad Charity.
Pupils at the school help run the Tuck Shop and the library and take part in a variety of school sporting activities.
- Mutual Respect
We promote each pupil’s inclusion in activities, settings and locations that are appropriate to them individually to meet their needs. Within school, pupils work with a range of people and interactions with others are always positively promoted on a personalised basis for each child. This may include working with students from other schools, outside speakers, etc. The curriculum is personalised and planned for pupils and may include transitioning within the range of resources and places on the site and going into the community to meet with a range of people in a variety of situations which include: sports events, community events and shared participation with other schools/colleges.
We believe it is important to facilitate opportunities to be part of the community as our pupils, families and staff have much to offer in the development of community cohesion. Teaching pupils the skills they need to be able to do this forms part of our curriculum through PSHE, PE, RS, Enterprise and Enrichment activities.
- Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs:
We are part of a school and local community where each person is respected and valued equally without regard to ability, gender, faith, heritage or race.
Cultural appreciation and development forms part of our curriculum. We place great emphasis on providing encounters and participation in events and celebrations to broaden all pupils” experiences and awareness of others. Our Assemblies helps all pupils to find out about themselves and others linking their lives to the communities in which they belong. The themes cover areas such as: friendships, helping others and celebrations from a range of faiths and world events.
Pupils are encouraged to experience British Culture through our curriculum.
Although some of our pupils may find it difficult to articulate their feelings and concerns; staff are attuned to changes in demeanour and well-being that may indicate anxiety. If they are concerned about a pupil our accepted practice links to the Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy which entrusts a duty of care to all staff to actively protect and promote the welfare of children.
The staff work closely with parents, carers and other professionals to ensure that the pupils at Al Islah Girls’ High School are happy, well cared for and enabled to learn the skills they need to live a fulfilling life as part of their community.