British Values

Democracy

We encourage our young people to have a voice and make a positive contribution to the school community. Democracy is experienced through opportunities such as:

• Student leadership roles and the School Council
• Student surveys and consultations
• Participation in decision-making and school improvement activities
• Debates, discussions and opportunities to express opinions respectfully
• Learning about local, national and international democratic processes

By developing these experiences, young people learn how democratic systems work and understand that everyone's voice matters.

Examples include:

School Council and Pupil Voice consultations

Young people regularly share their views on school life and contribute ideas for improvement. Feedback from pupils is gathered through surveys and discussions and is used to inform school development.

Student leadership opportunities

These include Senior Prefects, Prefects and Sports Captains, who represent their peers, contribute to meetings with school leaders and help shape aspects of school life.

Youth Parliament elections participation

Where pupils take part in authentic voting experiences, learning about representation, campaigning and democratic decision-making. Young people cast votes in the Lancashire Youth Council elections in the same way as adult elections, helping them understand the importance of participation in democracy.

Public figure visits and clinics

Our young people engage with local democracy with members of the South Ribble Youth Parliament and Lancashire County Council, giving young people opportunities to discuss issues that matter to them and experience how citizens can influence decision-makers.

Participation in mock general elections

These mirror the adult election system and release of results.

Opportunities for active citizenship

As detailed in our Citizenship section of the website.

The Rule of Law

Understanding the importance of rules and laws helps young people develop responsibility and respect for others.

At Priory, we promote this through:

• Clear expectations for behaviour and conduct
• Consistent application of school policies
• Restorative approaches to resolving conflict
• Learning about the UK's legal system and the role of public services
• Visits and workshops from external agencies, including police, emergency services and community organisations

Young people learn that laws exist to protect individuals and communities and that rights are balanced by responsibilities.

At Penwortham Priory Academy, young people learn the importance of laws, rules and personal responsibility through curriculum learning, safeguarding education and engagement with professionals from the wider community.

Examples include:

Police-led workshops on County Lines

Year 7 pupils participated in workshops delivered by PC Jason Ellwood from South Ribble Safer Neighbourhoods Team. Young people learned about County Lines crime, criminal exploitation, grooming, the legal consequences of criminal activity and how the law protects vulnerable individuals.

Child Exploitation Awareness Sessions

The school's partnership with local police included sessions delivered by the police's South Exploitation Team, helping Year 8 pupils understand child exploitation, criminal behaviour, safeguarding and the role of law enforcement in protecting communities.

Careers Education with a Police Inspector

Former pupil and Lancashire Constabulary Police Inspector Andy Cameron returned to school to discuss policing careers. Through these sessions, young people learn about the role of police officers in upholding the law, protecting communities and ensuring public safety.

School Policies and Expectations

Through clear behaviour, attendance, anti-bullying, safeguarding and online safety policies, young people learn that rules exist to keep everyone safe and ensure a positive learning environment. The consistent application of these policies helps young people understand fairness, accountability and responsibility.

Learning for Life and Citizenship Education

Through the Learning for Life and Citizenship curriculum, young people develop an understanding of laws, justice, rights and responsibilities, as well as the role of public institutions in maintaining a safe and fair society. This learning is reinforced through real-life scenarios and external speakers.

Individual Liberty

We are committed to creating a safe environment where young people can make informed choices and develop independence.

This includes:

• Encouraging personal responsibility and resilience
• Supporting young people to make positive decisions about their learning and future pathways
• Providing a broad range of extra-curricular activities and leadership opportunities
• Delivering high-quality PSHE, Relationships Education and Careers Education
• Teaching online safety, safeguarding and how to manage risk responsibly

Young people are encouraged to express their views appropriately while respecting the rights and freedoms of others.

At Penwortham Priory Academy, we encourage young people to develop confidence, resilience and independence by making informed choices about their learning, interests and future pathways. We provide a wide range of opportunities that enable pupils to pursue their aspirations while understanding how to stay safe and make responsible decisions.

Examples include:

Careers Education and Future Pathways

Young people are provided with extensive careers guidance, encounters with employers, further education providers and industry professionals. These experiences help pupils make informed decisions about future education, training and employment opportunities, empowering them to take ownership of their future aspirations from arriving at the school, until leaving and beyond.

Extensive Extra-Curricular Programme

Young people can choose from a wide range of clubs, sports, leadership opportunities, music, performing arts and enrichment activities. These opportunities enable pupils to explore their interests, develop talents and build confidence outside the classroom.

Student Leadership Opportunities

Roles such as Prefects, Senior Prefects, Sports Captains and other leadership positions allow young people to take responsibility, represent others and develop confidence in their own abilities while contributing positively to school life.

Online Safety and Safeguarding Education

Through the Learning for Life curriculum, assemblies and specialist workshops, and computer lessons pupils learn how to make safe choices online and offline, manage risk, seek support when needed and protect themselves from exploitation, bullying and harmful influences.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Support

The school's wellbeing provision encourages young people to understand their emotional wellbeing, seek support and make healthy lifestyle choices, helping them develop independence and resilience.

Choice and Participation

Young people are encouraged to participate in decision-making, voice their opinions respectfully and make choices about their involvement in clubs, activities, charitable events, leadership roles and wider school experiences. This helps them understand that freedom comes with responsibility and respect for the rights of others.

Mutual Respect

Respect is a cornerstone of life at Penwortham Priory Academy. We expect all members of our community to treat one another with kindness, courtesy and consideration.

Mutual respect is promoted through:

• Positive relationships between staff and young people
• Our behaviour and relationships policies
• Anti-bullying education and awareness
• Collaborative learning opportunities
• Celebrating achievement, diversity and individual strengths

We believe that respect creates an environment where everyone can feel safe, valued and able to succeed.

At Penwortham Priory Academy, mutual respect is at the heart of our school community. We promote positive relationships and encourage young people to recognise the value and contributions of others, regardless of background, beliefs or circumstances.

Student Leadership and Peer Representation

Through roles such as Prefects, Senior Prefects, Sports Captains and Student Leaders, young people learn to represent their peers, listen to different viewpoints and work collaboratively for the benefit of the school community. These opportunities help foster respect, responsibility and positive role modelling.

Charity and Community Engagement

Young people regularly participate in fundraising and charitable activities, demonstrating compassion, empathy and respect for those facing challenges both locally and nationally. These activities encourage pupils to consider the needs of others and contribute positively to society.

Sporting Participation and Teamwork

The school's extensive sports programme offers opportunities for young people to work together, support one another and develop respect through competition and teamwork. Pupils learn how to celebrate success respectfully and respond positively to setbacks.

Performing Arts and Creative Opportunities

Music productions, drama performances and creative arts activities require collaboration, trust and appreciation of the talents and contributions of others. Young people learn to work together towards shared goals and celebrate individual strengths.

Anti-Bullying and Inclusion

Through assemblies, Learning for Life lessons and pastoral support, pupils are taught the importance of treating others with dignity and respect. They learn about the impact of bullying, discrimination and prejudice and how to challenge these behaviours appropriately.

Celebrating Achievement

The academy regularly recognises and celebrates the achievements of young people across academic, sporting, creative and community contexts. This promotes a culture where effort, success and contribution are respected and valued.

Respect and understanding of different faiths and Beliefs

Penwortham Priory Academy is proud of its inclusive community. We help young people develop knowledge, understanding and appreciation of different cultures, faiths, beliefs and backgrounds.

This is achieved through:

• Religious Education (RE)
• Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) Education
• Assemblies and themed awareness events
• Celebrations of cultural and religious diversity
• Discussion of current affairs and global issues
• Opportunities to challenge stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination

Young people are taught that while individuals may hold different beliefs and viewpoints, everyone deserves respect and should be free from discrimination.

At Penwortham Priory Academy, we are committed to helping young people develop respect, understanding and appreciation for people from all backgrounds, cultures, faiths and beliefs. Through our curriculum, enrichment activities and wider Personal Development programme, pupils learn about diversity in modern Britain and the importance of challenging stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination.

Examples of this include:

Religious Education (RE)

Through the RE curriculum, young people develop knowledge and understanding of a range of world religions and non-religious worldviews. Pupils explore different beliefs, traditions, values and practices, helping them to appreciate both similarities and differences within diverse communities.

Learning for Life and PSHE Education

Our Learning for Life programme helps young people explore topics such as equality, diversity, protected characteristics, discrimination and inclusion. Pupils are encouraged to discuss and debate contemporary issues respectfully while considering different perspectives.

Diversity and Awareness Events

Throughout the year, young people engage in assemblies, themed events and awareness campaigns that celebrate diversity and promote understanding of different communities, cultures and experiences.

Charity and Community Engagement

By supporting a wide range of local and national charities, young people gain an understanding of the experiences and needs of others, developing empathy, compassion and respect for people from different backgrounds and circumstances.

Inclusive School Culture

Our school promotes an environment where every young person is valued and respected. Young people are encouraged to challenge prejudice, support one another and contribute to a community where differences are celebrated and everyone feels welcome.

Visiting Speakers and External Contributors

Through a range of visiting speakers, employers, community groups and external organisations, young people are exposed to a variety of experiences, viewpoints and life stories, helping them develop a broader understanding of the diverse society in which they live.