British Values

At Cedar Mount we ensure that the British Values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and acceptance of different faiths and beliefs permeate the work of the Academy.

We aim to develop and nurture these by:

• Giving students an understanding of how citizens can influence decision-making through the democratic process, by taking part in the UK Youth Parliament ‘Make Your Mark’ campaign, as well as voting for members of the student council and taking part in mock elections when General Elections have taken place.
• Celebrating what makes us all similar and what makes us special through our cultural awareness times for Black History Month, Asian Arab and Amazigh History Month, Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month and Culture Week.
• Having a clear set of values which underpin all the work of the Academy.
• Delivering an assembly programme with core ethical values and beliefs at its heart which is the shared responsibility of senior leaders, middle leaders and student leaders.
• A well-structured PSHE and Citizenship education programme which is delivered through Ethics and Politics (EP) from Y7-Y11.
• A strong Religious Studies programme at every Key Stage.
• Effective and well-managed student council and anti-discrimination groups which enable students to actively participate in the democratic process.
• A  well-balanced curriculum which addresses many of these core values across a range of subject areas.
• Having a clearly communicated and consistently applied Behaviour Policy so that students understand what is expected of them and the consequences of both meeting and failing to meet these expectations.
• A rewards system that recognises positive contributions in the Academy and celebrates success and helps develop character based on our values.
• Adopting restorative approaches, where possible, to resolve any difficulties between members of our school community.
• A clearly defined approach to discriminatory behaviour within the school which involves educational work as well as sanctions.
• An extra-curricular programme that provides opportunities outside the curriculum to develop individual talent and contribute to school life

In addition, we aim to eliminate the possibility of Radicalisation as many of these actions/steps also assist us in affirming and reinforcing core “British Values” of tolerance, respect and the rule of law.

Citizens who feel respected, connected and valued within a community are far less likely to be at risk of radicalisation.

We have defined Radicalisation as, “a process by which an individual or group comes to adopt increasingly extreme political, social, or religious ideals and aspirations that (1) reject or undermine the status quo or (2) reject and/or undermine contemporary ideas and expressions of freedom of choice.”

We believe it is when someone feels marginalised or under-valued that there is a greater opportunity for such extremism to be fostered. We aim to prevent the radicalisation of our students/staff by:

• Celebrating the cultures and identities of all our students through an ever-evolving curriculum that aims to include students based on their race, gender, sexuality and other protected characteristics
• Inviting in a broad range of visitors in to the Academy to deliver content for our celebration months of BHM, AHM, GRTHM and Culture Week.
• Providing menu options to meet specific dietary requirements and including a wider variety of cuisine during the celebration months.
• Making provision for specific periods of religious observance (such as during the month of Ramadan).
• Extensive staff CPD to promote the anti-discrimination work of the Academy.
• Planning calendared events with consideration of significant periods of religious observance (such as Parents Evenings and Ramadan, for example)
• Providing an PSHE and Citizenship education programme that celebrates diversity, challenges stereotypes and addresses issues such as discrimination and prejudice in society as a whole.
• Having a school uniform which can be adapted appropriately to meet the requirements of religious dress codes
• Authorising absence appropriately for religious observance
• Ensuring that student rewards programmes offer rewards that are appropriate to those of all faiths and none
• Making provision for students who are in periods of religious observance (such as Ramadan) during school visits/residential stays
• Monitoring all job applications in our aim for diversity within our staffing
• Ensuring the safer recruitment of our staff
• Ensuring that visitors are appropriately vetted and supervised whilst on site
• Educating students about the protected characteristics detailed within the Equality Act 2010
• Responding rapidly, rigorously and appropriately to any reported incidents of a racist or discriminatory nature, adhering to Local Authority reporting protocols, as required

In summary, our aim is to develop well-rounded, educated and reflective students who can confidently move forward beyond school and find their place in the world. We want our students to:

• Develop lively, enquiring minds capable of original thought and well-balanced critical argument.
• Become confident, independent learners well-equipped for lifelong learning.
• Derive enjoyment from their learning which should extend their intellectual capacity, develop their interest and stimulate their curiosity.
• Embrace the many opportunities afforded by developments in information and communication technologies, whilst fully accepting the responsibilities that go with using them properly.
• Engage in a broad programme of experiences which enable them to appreciate their cultural inheritance and to understand more about themselves and the world in which they live.
• Develop the capacities to make informed, rational and responsible decisions and to work in ways which enhance their self-respect and sensitivity to the needs of others, particularly those less advantaged than themselves.
• Show respect for each other and all people working in the school, and to appreciate the diverse talents that contribute to our school community.
• To play a full part in creating a caring, supportive school environment.
• Develop a range of reasoned beliefs and values and a sympathy and respect for those held by others, which will prepare them to become considerate and responsible citizens.
• Display self-discipline and proper regard for authority
• Foster good behaviour and to avoid all forms of bullying

Cedar Mount Academy was named runner up in the category of ‘Anti-Racist School of the Year’ at the national Future ED Awards in December 2023. To find out more about out anti-discrimination work, please click here.