British Values



The Department for Education has reinforced the need “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.”

At Marlborough School the promotion of British Values permeates through our values, ethos and curriculum and supports our students’ holistic development.

DEMOCRACY

The development of our students’ communication skills is a core aim of the curriculum. We provide our students with a wide range of resources necessary to develop and use their communication skills and ensure that their voice is heard. These may include objects of reference, pictures, symbols, touch cues, eye gaze, iPads and other assistive and augmentative devices.

We empower our students and give them opportunities to make choices and to be part of a group. We value each individual and personalise their learning pathways to ensure opportunities for them to take part in activities they believe consider are important for them and which they enjoy and are good at. We listen and respond to their collective views demonstrating our support for democracy and liberty. We have an active school council.

THE RULE OF LAW

The school actively seeks to promote and maintain a positive learning environment for all students. Due to the complex nature of their learning difficulties, many of our students need significant support to develop appropriate personal and social behaviours. We recognise that it is the behaviour that is of concern and not the individual and view inappropriate behaviours as a form of communication. All students receive support at an appropriate level to manage their own behaviour, to work alongside   other   people   and   to   treat   other   people   with   respect   and consideration.

INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY

All students at Marlborough are valued and encouraged to become valuable members of the school and wider community. We place the development of independence skills as a core component of our curriculum. We provide opportunities for student led learning and for them to assert themselves, make good choices and have the option to say “yes” or “No” to activities or ideas. They are advised how to exercise their rights and personal freedoms safely eg through e-safety and PSHE lessons. Our PSHE curriculum also supports them to develop confidence and responsibility and to prepare to play an active role as citizens who respect the differences between people.

MUTUAL RESPECT

Respect is a key value at Marlborough school and permeates all aspects of school life. We value the close, positive relationships between all adults and students and the caring ethos of the school. Assemblies cover the theme of respect and what this means and all students are supported to respect each other, the learning environment and the community. All achievements, learning and effort are celebrated.

We promote each student’s inclusion in activities, settings and locations that are appropriate to meet their needs. The curriculum is personalised and planned for each pupil. All students are given opportunities to work with students from other schools, visiting creative arts and sports groups and to access events and activities in the wider community. We believe that this enables us to promote a positive picture of our students and supports community cohesion.

TOLERANCE OF DIFFERENT FAITHS AND BELIEFS

Marlborough actively seeks to use the diversity of its community as a resource for learning, helping pupils to understand and respect difference in all its manifestations and to be proud of who they are. Cultural appreciation and development form part of our curriculum. Students engage in a wide variety of encounters and participate in events and celebrations to broaden their experiences and awareness of others.

Topic based learning supports all students to develop self-understanding and their part in the wider world. The RE curriculum and collective worship broadens their awareness and understanding of the main faiths represented in the school community (Christianity, Islam and Judaism) as well as general concepts including friendship, self-awareness   helping others.  Students are presented with opportunities to participate in celebrations of festivals and school events and to exploring the features of faith and culture in a multisensory way (e.g. listening to Easter music or exploring an African drum)

We work in close partnership with parents, carers and other professionals to ensure that all students are well cared for and develop the knowledge, skills and understanding to lead fulfilled lives within their communities.