Promoting British Values
Luton Sixth Form College takes every opportunity to promote British Values.
These are defined by the Government as the following:
- Democracy
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Mutual respect
- Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
In actively promoting British Values, we will also focus on, and be able to show, how our work with students is effective in embedding fundamental British values. Actively promoting also means challenging students, staff, parents or carers that may express opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including extremist views.
Democracy
We have a thriving Student Council. Three students are members of the Corporation and the Safeguarding Health & Inclusion Committee. The Student Council meet at least every two weeks with a dedicated member of staff to discuss issues raised from a student perspective. The Student Council has its own budget and is genuinely able to effect change within the college. They are asked to review certain policies such as our Safeguarding Policy, where they are able to give a student view.
Students have two key annual questionnaires, including their view about the quality of teaching and learning (SPOC) and their views of the College (Ofsted Learner Views Survey). We have regular visits and activities that reinforce democracy, these have included visits from local and national politicians.
Various students take part in the recruitment process for new staff. During this process they will not only give their own opinion, but also learn about considering and empathising with others before coming to a collective decision.
The rule of law
The importance of laws, whether they are those that govern our classrooms, the College, or the country, are consistently reinforced at Luton Sixth Form College. Student rules and expectations are reinforced via our “Code of Conduct” and Student Disciplinary Procedures.
Students are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police, the Army and the Fire Service help reinforce this message.
Students have also taken part in relevant trips such as a visit to Luton Magistrates' Court as part of their law lessons.
Individual liberty
At Luton Sixth Form College, students are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a College we educate and provide boundaries for students to make informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education.
Students are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our eSafety and ‘Prevent’ workshops and tutor time.
Mutual respect
Part of our college ethos has revolved around core values such as ‘Respect’, and students have been part of discussions related to what this means and how it is shown. Posters and digital signage around the college promote respect for others and this is reiterated through our classroom and learning rules, as well as our Code of Conduct.
Students learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the college community treat each other with respect. This is constantly re-enforced in lessons, tutor time and throughout the college day.
Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
Luton Sixth Form College is a diverse institution. We actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures. Events, Religious Education, tutor time and through the skills learned in lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others.
Members of different faiths and religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the college.