Preparing Students for Life in Modern Britain
At Herne Bay High School, we are committed to developing young people who are kind, respectful, responsible and able to make a positive contribution to their communities and wider society.
The promotion of fundamental British Values and students’ Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development (SMSC) is central to our Personal Development and Wellbeing provision.
Everything we do is underpinned by our school values of:
Through our curriculum and wider school life, students learn how these values shape their relationships, choices, responsibilities and contribution to society.
Our British Values and SMSC provision help students to:
British Values and SMSC are not taught as isolated topics. They are embedded throughout lessons, assemblies, mentor time, enrichment, educational visits, careers education, student leadership and the everyday life of the school.
Fundamental British Values
The British Values are:
Democracy
We want students to understand that their views matter and that they can contribute positively to decisions affecting their school and wider society.
Students develop their understanding of democracy through:
Students are taught that democracy involves both the right to express an opinion and the responsibility to listen respectfully to the views of others.
The Rule of Law
Students learn why laws and rules are necessary, how they protect individuals and communities, and what may happen when laws are broken.
The rule of law is promoted through:
Students are encouraged to recognise the connection between freedom, responsibility and the need for rules that protect everyone.
Individual Liberty
Students are supported to develop confidence, independence and the ability to make informed choices.
Individual liberty is promoted through:
Students learn that individual freedom must be exercised safely and responsibly, with respect for the rights and freedoms of others.
Mutual Respect
Respect is one of our core school values and is fundamental to life at Herne Bay High School.
Students learn to:
Mutual respect is modelled through relationships between staff and students and reinforced through teaching, assemblies, pastoral care, enrichment and wider school expectations.
Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Students are taught to understand, respect and appreciate people whose faiths, beliefs, cultures or world views may be different from their own.
This is particularly important within our local context, where students may have fewer opportunities to experience religious and cultural diversity in their everyday lives.
Students develop their understanding through:
Tolerance does not mean that students must agree with every belief or viewpoint. It means learning to disagree respectfully while recognising the equal dignity and legal rights of others.
SMSC supports the development of the whole person. It helps students reflect on who they are, understand their responsibilities, form positive relationships and appreciate the diverse society in which they live.
Spiritual Development
Spiritual development gives students opportunities to explore beliefs, values, identity, meaning and purpose.
Students are encouraged to:
Spiritual development takes place across the curriculum, particularly through RE/RS, English, the arts, humanities, science, assemblies and opportunities for reflection.
Moral Development
Moral development helps students understand right and wrong, consider the consequences of their actions and form reasoned judgements about ethical issues.
Students learn to:
Moral development is promoted through curriculum discussion, safeguarding education, restorative practice, behaviour expectations, volunteering and engagement with real-world issues.
Social Development
Social development equips students to build positive relationships, work collaboratively and participate successfully in different communities.
Students are given opportunities to:
Through these experiences, students develop a sense of belonging and learn how to contribute positively to society.
Cultural Development
Cultural development enables students to understand and appreciate their own heritage while developing respect for the diversity of modern Britain and the wider world.
Students experience:
For our students, cultural development plays an important role in broadening horizons and providing experiences that may not otherwise be available within the local community.
Our British Values and SMSC provision supports our wider Personal Development vision.
Belong - Students feel safe, included and valued within a school community built upon kindness and respect. They develop a sense of identity and belonging while learning to appreciate the experiences, values and beliefs of others.
Flourish - Students develop spiritually, morally, socially and culturally. They become increasingly reflective, resilient, compassionate and confident, with the skills needed to form healthy relationships and make responsible choices.
Succeed - Students leave Herne Bay High School prepared to participate positively in modern Britain. They understand their rights and responsibilities, value democracy and equality, respect the law and have the confidence to contribute to their communities and wider society.
Our Intended Outcomes
By the time students leave Herne Bay High School, we want them to: