British Values

At Goodwin Academy, we actively promote inclusive values through our subjects, our various teams working on behalf of young people and our additional provision outside of the classroom. These values include democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and acceptance of those of different faiths and beliefs. We promote the belief that British Values are those expected of anyone living in Britain today, regardless of their nationality, culture or religious belief. This belief is taught and also demonstrated through everything we do here, from assemblies, to charity work and through the tutor programme in Years 7-13.

The cornerstone of working together in this way is how much we invest in building and maintaining positive relationships, amongst the students themselves and between staff and students. Students should not merely be taught such values; they must run through every aspect of school life and how we do things each day.

We support our students to develop from being happy, empathic young people when they arrive here, to becoming confident, successful young adults with the capacity to seize life’s opportunities, who also have an understanding of those less fortunate than themselves.

At Goodwin Academy, British values are embodied in the following more specific ways:

Through the curriculum:

Within IL and Tutor Activities, students will study topics such as:

  • Study of the main religions from around the world
  • Assessing the problems faced by religious people
  • Identity rights and responsibilities
  • Democracy, active citizenship and participation
  • Knowing you and knowing others
  • Relationships
  • Healthy living
  • The world of work
  • Becoming independent
  • Understanding what’s going on
  • Economic Wellbeing

All curriculum areas ensure they address British values through their schemes of work, activities within classrooms and by ensuring all aspects of their curriculums are fully inclusive.

Through every day activities which include:

Assemblies, tutor time activities and charity work that develops respect for oneself, for others, for the environment and for learning. Current affairs, literacy, numeracy, thinking strategies and personal safety on line and in relationships are typical topics that make for lively debate.

Year group assemblies every week are multi-faith and look at a variety of different themes and topics, built around the Goodwin Gateways, for example building resilience and valuing accuracy. House assemblies bring together students from all year groups into a different community again and these are valued for this opportunity.

Charity work is supported by tutor groups, by houses and by year groups working together to raise money for elected charities.

Sixth form students run the Junior Leadership Team on behalf of the school with briefs as diverse as teaching and learning through the Drive Team, environment, wellbeing and events. Students are elected to represent their tutor groups and their year group within the JLT.

Extra-Curricular Clubs including:

  • Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme
  • Chess Club
  • Vex Robotics
  • Science Ambassadors
  • Debating Society
  • Film Club
  • Retro-gaming Club
  • Sports Clubs
  • Music Clubs and Practice
  • Homework Clubs