British Values at Varndean College

At Varndean College we actively promote British Values and acknowledge their place in our own expectations, vision and values.

Varndean College Mission Statement: 'through the quality of its provision and support for a diverse community, to encourage and inspire all its students to fulfil their potential'.

The UK Government set out its definition of British Values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy. In 2014, the Department of Education published guidance on promoting British Values to ensure young people leave school and college prepared for life in modern Britain.
The five definitions of British values are as follows:

  • Democracy
  • The rule of Law
  • Individual liberty
  • Mutual Respect
  • Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs

Varndean College promotes diversity, multiculturalism and acceptance with a strong sense of social and moral responsibility. Our aim is to develop our students into well-rounded, free thinking individuals who are well prepared for the next stage of their lives.

We prepare our students for life in modern Britain by developing an understanding of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

It is our aim that during their time at Varndean College, all of our students develop the skills and knowledge to enable them to contribute effectively to the wider community. As well as being fully engaged in their learning experience, we want our students to become responsible citizens.

We provide a range of opportunities to promote and develop these values within curriculum. In addition, through our Tutorial and enrichment programmes you will have the opportunity to explore and develop the values, knowledge, confidence and skills to prepare you for life in modern Britain and to successfully progress to employment.

Democracy

You will develop an understanding of Democracy through:

  • Student Representatives
  • Students' Union (VCSU)
  • Student Governors
  • Politics Society
  • Teaching Sessions and Tutorials / Tutorial Programme
Rule of Law

You will develop an understanding of the Rule of Law through:

Individual Liberty

You will develop an understanding of Individual Liberty through:

  • Equality & Diversity
  • Celebrating Student Success
  • Teaching Sessions and Tutorials / Tutorial Programme
  • Philosophy Society
Mutual Respect

You will develop an understanding and experience of Mutual Respect through:

  • Code of Conduct
  • College Policies such as Equality & Diversity, Safeguarding and Bullying & Harassment
  • Students' Union Guide
  • Teaching Sessions and Tutorials / Tutorial Programme
  • Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Acceptance of Different Faiths and Beliefs

You will develop an understanding of the Acceptance of Different Faiths and Belief through:

  • Students' Union Guide
  • Teaching Sessions and Tutorials / Tutorial Programme
  • Guest Speakers, e.g. Politics Society
  • Enrichment activities