Jersey forms part of the British Crown Dependencies and as such; we support the values of democracy and freedom. We recognise the definition of British values as set out in the UK 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values were reiterated in 2014. We recognise the importance of democracy, liberty, and the rule of law and actively protect students from radicalisation and extremist views. At Grainville these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways.
Extracts from Grainville vision statement
Our school provides a safe, secure and happy environment in which students can learn and develop skills necessary for life in the 21st Century
Happy and caring school for all regardless of age, sex, social class, race or ability
School were traditional values of hard work, honesty, integrity, caring and self-discipline are fostered and reinforced on a daily basis
Democracy
Children have many opportunities for their voices to be heard at Grainville School. We have a school council which meets regularly to discuss issues raised in class council meetings. The council has its own budget and is able to genuinely effect change within the school. Two of the three council members for each year group (Y7-11) are voted in by their class. Children have an annual questionnaire with which they are able to put forward their views about the school (Pass Survey) and every two years we survey students using the Kirkland Rowel Survey. Grainville School, staff and students were involved in an Island-wide TV advert to promote elections and principles of democracy. We also actively promote the development of leadership experiences for students and involve students in the day –to-day running of the school, e.g. Year 8 student receptionists, peer mentors programme, student readers programme.
The Rule of Law
The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. Students are taught the value and reasons behind 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 and Fire Service help reinforce this message. Prison Me No Way Y8 is an example of multi-agencies working with students to reinforce law abiding behaviours and spell out the consequences of breaking the law and the impact it has on individual’s’ and families.
Individual Liberty
Within school, students are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young students to make choices safely, through provision of a safe environment and 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 E-Safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it is through choice of learning challenge, of how they record, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, students are given the freedom to make choices. We also actively celebrate the freedom that we enjoy and take time to reflect upon men and women in the armed forces who have lost their lives or been injured protecting these rights. Grainville has its own detachment of the ACF and annually take part in memorial tributes leading up to remembrance Sunday.
Mutual Respect
As a caring and supportive school community, mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect. As a community we annually raise thousands of pounds in support of local, national and international Charites to help other communities through difficult times.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Grainville is proud to be made up of over 17 different nationalities. We are situated in the City of St Helier in a culturally diverse community. Assemblies are regularly planned to address the issues of tolerance and respect directly or through the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures. Our RE and PSHE teaching programme reinforce this. An example is the annual Year 7 multi-faith day. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.
At Grainville we will actively challenge students, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental Jersey Values, including ‘extremist’ views.