British Values

'Staff promote respect and tolerance.'
'Older pupils visit London to gain an experience of modern Britain that is different to their locality. They develop their understanding of democracy with a visit to the Houses of Parliament.' (Ofsted, December 2022)
At Windmill Hill Academy we prepare our learners for life in modern Britain by: equipping them to be responsible, respectful, active citizens who contribute positively to society; developing their understanding of fundamental British values; developing their understanding and appreciation of diversity; celebrating what we have in common and promoting respect for the different protected characteristics as defined in law. The curriculum at Windmill Hill Academy is planned to ensure that the teaching and understanding of British Values, including diversity, is embedded across the curriculum.
 
Democracy
Democracy is very important across the school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our Pupil Parliament. The leaders of each group are elected by their peers. Pupils at Windmill Hill Academy know that there is always someone in school who they can listen and be heard, that their suggestions are valued.
 
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. The Academy follows the articles represented in the 'Rights of a Children'. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police, Fire Service, Lifeguards etc are regular parts of our school life.
 
Individual Liberty
Within Windmill Hill Academy, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As an academy, we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make choices safety, through of provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advise how to exercise these safely, for example through our Online Safety and SMSC lessons. Whether it be through choice of challenge, of how they record, of participation in our extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
 
Mutual Respect
Part of our academy ethos and behaviour policy has revolved around the articles reflected in the 'Rights of a Child' and respect is very important. All staff at Windmill Hill Academy promote respect for others and this is reiterated through our classroom and learning, as well as our behaviour policy.
 
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
This is achieved through enhancing pupils understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE and SMSC. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.
Picture News
 
The Friends of Windmill Hill Academy have funded Picture News which allows us to teach children current affairs through Picture News.

The resources are designed to provide opportunities for children to learn from our world and develop respect for other’s beliefs, feelings and faiths. They encourage exploration, discussion, challenge and inspire children to learn!

We are a Picture News Advocate School

I’m delighted to let you know that we have been officially awarded as a Picture News Advocate school. Our testimonial is now live on their Advocate page and can be found here: www.picture-news.co.uk/blog/advocates/.