Promoting Understanding of fundamental British Values
We promote the understanding of fundamental British Values through our inclusive and holistic curriculum, which permeates through every aspect of our students’ time at Marlborough School. These values and attitudes are promoted by all staff and provide a model of behaviour for our students.
At Marlborough School British values are:
Democracy
Communication and understanding are central to learning within our school. We ensure that all students are given a meaningful voice and are supported to understand that their views are valued and that decisions are made fairly, even where communication needs are complex. Students communicate using a range of methods including spoken language, objects, photographs, symbols, touch cues, eye pointing, body language and assistive technologies such as iPads, eye-gaze and voice-output systems. This enables every student to express opinions, make choices and participate in decision-making in ways that are accessible and meaningful to them.
Students are empowered through regular opportunities to make choices about aspects of school life that are important to them, reflect their interests and build on their strengths. By listening to and responding to students’ views, wants and needs, we demonstrate our commitment to individual liberty and ensure that all students feel respected and valued.
Democratic principles are further embedded through whole-school experiences such as School Council elections, where students take part in voting using adapted and supported methods, including symbols and photographs. Whole-school mock general elections provide additional opportunities for students to experience democratic processes and develop an age- and ability-appropriate understanding of fairness, choice and representation. Through these experiences, students learn that democracy involves having a voice, listening to others and contributing positively to the school community.
The Rule of Law
Marlborough School promotes a positive, calm and predictable environment in which students are supported to understand expectations, routines and boundaries. Visual supports, social stories and now/next boards are used consistently to help students make sense of daily routines and expectations, enabling them to feel secure and confident in their learning.
Clear and consistent expectations are reinforced through positive behaviour support and a capable environments approach. This ensures that students are supported to regulate their behaviour in ways that meet their individual needs, while developing an understanding of rules and fairness. These approaches help prepare students for the next stage of their education and life beyond school.
For many students, the development of personal and social behaviours requires significant and ongoing support and is therefore an integral part of the curriculum. Behaviour is understood as a form of communication and staff take a proactive and reflective approach to identifying the underlying reasons for behaviour of concern. Through this consistent and supportive approach, students learn that rules exist to keep everyone safe, promote fairness and support positive relationships within the school community.
Individual Liberty
Marlborough students are supported to develop confidence, independence and self-advocacy, alongside a clear understanding of how to stay safe. Supporting students to say no, express preferences and ask for help using their preferred communication methods is embedded within daily learning and interactions.
Personalised and explicit teaching approaches support individual students to develop an appropriate understanding of online safety, personal boundaries and consent. Learning takes place within a safe and supportive environment, enabling students to understand their rights and freedoms and to make informed and safe choices.
Students are encouraged to become as independent as possible through curriculum-based learning, targeted programmes such as MOVE and ongoing self-care support. An enriching and holistic curriculum reflects the wide range of learning styles and needs within the school, enabling all students to make meaningful progress and achieve their full potential.
Mutual Respect and Tolerance
The school promotes respect, tolerance and understanding by supporting students to develop an appreciation of their own identity and the beliefs and cultures of others. This is embedded through the PSHE and Religious Education (RE) curriculum, alongside wider school experiences. Learning is carefully adapted to ensure it is accessible, meaningful and appropriate to each student’s communication, sensory and cognitive needs.
Through PSHE, students explore themes such as identity, relationships, belonging and respect, supporting the development of positive attitudes towards difference and an understanding of themselves and others. In RE, students are introduced to a range of religions, beliefs, festivals and cultural traditions through practical, sensory and experiential approaches.
Staff consistently model respectful language and positive relationships, supporting students to understand and respect others’ differences, needs and boundaries. Tools such as Zones of Regulation check-ins help students to recognise and manage emotions in themselves and others. Weekly assemblies celebrate students’ achievements and strengths in ways that are meaningful and accessible to each individual. Together, these approaches support students to develop respect and curiosity about the world around them and prepare them to participate positively in a diverse and inclusive society.