At Birdwell School Academy we take very seriously our responsibility to prepare children for life in modern Britain and the global community. We aim to nurture our children on their journey through life so they can grow into safe, caring, democratic, responsible and tolerant adults who make a positive difference to British society and the world. We do this in the following ways:

At Birdwell School Academy, we actively promote the British values of:

• democracy
• the rule of law
• individual liberty
• mutual respect
• tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs.

In all aspects of school life these British values are communicated, delivered and brought to life through our:

• Birdwell Vision and Birdwell Values: creative, team players, curious, proud, brave, kind, individuals. 
• Creative curriculum, including PSHE lessons and assemblies based on the Jigsaw Scheme of Work.
• Assemblies.
• Behaviour Policy.
• Young Leadership opportunities (e.g. School Council, Eco Council and Play Leaders).
• Whole school events (e.g. Charity events to respond to national and international situations; Anti-bullying week;  celebration & recognition of key religious events etc).

Democracy

• Holding elections for School Council and Eco Council roles, as well as votes in class for other things. 
• Using School Council and Eco Council to contribute to school improvement.
• Children encouraged to explain their thinking and justify decisions.
• Opportunities to share ideas, take part in debates, developing an empathy and understanding for the views of others across our curriculum.
• Democracy taught as part of topics or when linked to national events eg. General Elections. 

 The Rule of Law

• Clear behaviour policy shared and consistently implemented
• Pupils are taught from an early age the rules of the class and school.
• Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken.
• Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help reinforce this message where appropriate.

Individual Liberty

• Clear boundaries are provided for pupils whilst also being provided with opportunities to express their personal freedom of choice.
• Pupils are actively encouraged to make informed choices, within a safe, supportive environment. 
• Stereotypes are challenged.

 Mutual Respect

• Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. We wholeheartedly believe that all in the school community should model respect, treating each other in the way that we ourselves would like to be treated.
• Inclusive education for all.
• Delivery of a PSHE curriculum that enables everyone to consider the impact of their choices on others, exploring ways to show respect to all. We use JIGSAW PHSE.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

• Delivery of an RE curriculum that encompasses all major faiths including Christianity, promoting diversity and tolerance. We use JIGSAW RE. 
• Visits/visitors linked to major faiths planned and encouraged to enhance learning.
• Use of opportunities (such as the Olympics and World Cup) to learn about life and culture in other countries, as well as our wider curriculum.