Putting ideas into practice
Below are ways in which practitioners might promote British values through their courses. Consider the examples, and then consider how you might achieve this requirement.
Example 1: GCSE and A level Physics
Sameena is a GCSE and A level Physics teacher who is unsure about how she can implement British values into her courses. At a departmental meeting staff discuss this and how to implement British values as the opportunities arise.
Democracy - They decide that this can be implemented through a discussion about government policy in relation to the use of nuclear power and renewable energy - they might look at party policy documents.
The rule of law - The students research health and safety laws which regulate industry or review the health and safety processes within their education or training institution.
Individual liberty - they discuss the extent that this exists or is limited by regulation. They might also discuss their own freedom of choice in terms of future education and career choices.
Tolerance and mutual respect - they discuss this in relation to cooperation in the classroom working with their fellow students and staff.
Example 2: Hairdressing
Andy is a hairdressing tutor. He discusses teaching British values when the opportunity arises in the curriculum with his colleagues.
Democracy and the Rule of Law - He realises that the qualifications include a need to understand the rule of law and democracy because the syllabus covers health and safety legislation and employment rights.
Tolerance and mutual respect - His colleague Sam notes that they teach the importance of mutual respect and tolerance in working with colleagues and customers.
Individual Liberty - The tutors also note that they could explore the extent to which they have individual liberty in their employment choices and limits on their freedoms in their professional practice
For further information go to the Prevent for FE and Training Website curriculum guidance.
Activity
How could 'British values' be promoted in your curriculum area? Are opportunities to promote British values currently taken?
Examples:
- You could choose to focus on any laws which relate to the vocational or academic area of study, how those laws come about through a democratic process
- You can focus on career choices in terms of freedom of the individual and any limitations on the freedom of the individual in or through your area of study e.g. health and safety laws for vocational subjects and freedom of the individual as discussed through academic studies
- Mutual respect and tolerance can be taught in all subjects both through classroom and workplace behaviour and also through the content of many subjects
Use your notepad to record your ideas about how to promote 'British values' in your subject. Once you have recorded your thoughts, click below to reveal more suggestions.
- Focusing on any laws which relate to the vocational or academic area of study
- Discussion of how those laws come about through a democratic process
- Focus on career choices in terms of freedom of the individual
- Discussion of limitations on the freedom of the individual in or through your area of study e.g. health and safety laws for vocational subjects and freedom of the individual as discussed through academic studies
- Mutual respect and tolerance can be taught in all subjects both through classroom and workplace behaviour and also through the content of many subjects
- Developing critical thinking skills in learners where opportunities arise within curriculum areas
- Ensuring opportunities are taken to promote equality and to celebrate diversity within the curriculum
- Providing support to vulnerable students
- Developing the resilience of students
- Using teaching and learning styles that allow grievances to be aired
- Supporting students in discussing challenging issues.