Promoting British Values Addition to Curriculum Policy

iBOS Promoting British

Values

The aims of our school are:

• A school where teachers, staff, and students are expected to support and extend the atmosphere of respect, courtesy, the love of learning and the value of friendship that is held dear at iBOS.
• iBOS aims to develop students to become well-rounded individuals. We aim to empower our students with the best tools and resources, making them capable in following and achieving their dreams, to become valued members of our global societies, and to allow them to make a positive difference to the world, wherever they choose to progress to.
• Students leave iBOS prepared for university. They are confident, contributing, and caring members of the global community and they have embraced the challenge of our specialized education. They will have gained the values that equip them to make a positive contribution.

Responsibility of: The Principal

Date Ratified: 03 July 2025

Review Date: 03 July 2027

Promoting British values iBOS actively promotes the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs, as set out in the DfE's guidance on Promoting British Values (2014) and within the expectations of the Prevent Duty (2015, revised 2023). These values are embedded through our ethos, curriculum, assemblies, behavior policy, and school-wide approach to Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) development. It follows equal opportunities guidance which guarantees that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or similar. IBOS is dedicated to preparing students for their adult life beyond the formal examined curriculum and ensuring that it promotes and reinforces British values to all its students. The five British Values are:

• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect
• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs All staff receive annual safeguarding and Prevent training, which includes strategies for identifying and reporting concerns related to radicalization or intolerance. The curriculum ensures that all students develop respect for different cultures and the ability to challenge prejudicial or extremist views in a safe, constructive environment. IBOS uses strategies within the National Curriculum and beyond to secure such outcomes for students. The examples that follow show some of the many ways IBOS seek to embed British values.

Democracy

The principle of democracy is consistently being reinforced at IBOS, with democracy processes being used for important decisions within the school community, for instance, elections being held for Head Boy and Girl. The principle of democracy is also explored in the History and Religious Studies curriculum as well as in form time and assemblies. The rule of law The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, is consistently reinforced at IBOS. Students are taught the rules and expectations of the school which are highlighted by the student behavioral policy and student expectations. Students are taught the value and the reasons behind laws that govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken.

Individual liberty At iBOS, students are actively encouraged to make independent choices, with the knowledge that they are in a safe, secure and supportive environment. Staff at IBOS 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 on how to exercise these safely, for example through e-safety and Tutor Time work. iBOS has a robust anti-bullying culture and has in place a comprehensive Behavior for Learning Policy.

Mutual Respect

Respect is a strong part of IBOS and is part of its Mission Statement & Values. Students learn that their behavior has an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect and this is reiterated through its teaching and learning environments. Mutual respect is embraced throughout the curriculum by providing the opportunity for students to express their views in a safe environment. Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs This is achieved though equipping students with the ability to understand their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them the opportunities to experience such diversity within the school community. Students are actively encouraged to share their faith and beliefs within the school and celebrate festivities throughout the calendar year. The Religious Studies curriculum, which is compulsory for all students up to the end of KS4, provides a broad and balanced education on a range of faiths, religions and cultures.

Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) Policy

Rationale

RSE at iBOS follows the statutory guidance from the DfE (2020) and is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to make informed, responsible, and respectful decisions about relationships and health. Our RSE programmed promotes equality, resilience, respect for diversity, and a secure understanding of consent, sexuality, and body autonomy. Sex education at IBOS is taught in a cross-curricular way through Biology, Religious Studies and Personal and Social Education. The diverse staffing and the variety of experience contained within this teaching body are seen as valuable resources for the delivery of sex education. The provision of sex education is seen as progressive in terms of language, concepts and content which increases in depth and complexity as students progress through school. Throughout the teaching, a variety of sensitive issues will inevitably be explored. It is recognized that an individual's sexuality is a highly personal matter. The teaching of sex education at IBOS will place stress upon the need for understanding and awareness of a variety of sexual preferences across the spectrum of human sexuality.

It is intended that pupils will be given up-to-date information on a wide variety of contraceptive methods and whilst general statements about the efficacy of these methods will be given, specific advice and guidance to individuals will not be made without consultation with the parents. The Parental Right to Withdraw their Son or Daughter from Sex Education Lessons: Under the Children and Social Work Act 2017, parents have the right to request withdrawal of their child from the sex education component of RSE, up until three terms before the child turns

1. 16. After that point, the decision rests with the student. This right does not extend to withdrawal from relationships education or statutory science content. To request withdrawal, parents should write to the Principal, stating their concerns, and a discussion will be arranged.