Whole-school Assemblies and many lessons across the curriculum promote the importance of tolerance. As a comprehensive school, ‘collective worship’ is non- denominational and recognizes that those attending may have a wide range of faiths, or none. It is however, in line with regulation and is “wholly or mainly of a broadly Christian character”.
Lessons in subjects like Philosophy & R.S., History, and English “further tolerance and harmony between different cultural traditions by enabling students to acquire an appreciation of and respect for their own and other cultures.”* This is achieved through enhancing pupils understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. There are many Assemblies, and discussions in PSHCE, involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying.
Younger students will learn about the notion of tolerance first in terms of interpersonal behaviour in the classroom, which is part of learning to live together. Younger pupils reflect on how they function harmoniously as a group, thinking about cooperation, sharing, and being kind and generous to each other. Older pupils learn about the history in Europe of the value of tolerance through studying the wars of religion and religious intolerance.
In Philosophy & R.S. students study the concept of rights, including such rights as freedom of speech and freedom of religious expression, in a unit and Human Rights and Social Justice in Year 11. Curriculum areas which offer the opportunity to learn about and explore the value of tolerance, especially Philosophy & R.S., History, PE, and PHSCEE, are supported and celebrated around the school.
Planning for R.S. is informed by the ‘Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) – Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education’.
For more information about how the school seeks to represent key British Values, contact the school office and a member of the School Leadership Team will be happy to provide further information.
