Fundamental British Values

Fundamental British Values (FBV) are required to be taught in all UK schools. The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy.  

The four Fundamental British Values are defined as: 

• Democracy 
• The rule of law 
• Individual liberty 
• Mutual respect for and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs 

These values are seen to be crucial for students to develop as it helps to prepare them for life in modern Britain. Dover Grammar School for Girls is committed to providing an inclusive and accepting learning environment for all students in our community. We recognise the vital role Fundamental British Values have in underpinning what it means to be a citizen in a modern and diverse Britain by valuing our community and celebrating our society, where individual members can feel safe, valued and can contribute for the good of themselves and others. As a school we believe this is central and plan to promote the spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development of our students across the school and our DGGS Character Values aim to underpin these Fundamental British Values across the whole school. 

Through our PSHE education across the key stages we help students to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence. Students are also taught the value of British law which will give them the ability to distinguish right from wrong and accept responsibility for their behaviour. Students are encouraged to show initiative and contribute positively to our wider society by acquiring a broad general knowledge of British institutions and services and to appreciate and respect their own and other cultures. 

DEMOCRACY 

The principle of democracy is reinforced at Dover Grammar School for Girls, with democratic processes being used for important decisions within the school community, for instance, elections being held for Lead Prefects, House Captains and Student Council representatives. Allowing for students to have an active voice in the school community and be able to influence school decisions where possible  

Students have engaged with the Parliamentary education unit which has enabled them to learn about how democracy is maintained and protected in the U.K.  

THE RULE OF LAW 

At Dover Grammar School for Girls students follow the rules and expectations of the school and are taught the value and the reasons behind laws that 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 reinforce this message.

INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY 

Our students are encouraged to value not only the freedoms which they are given both in school but also outside school. Students are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised on how to exercise these safely, for example through online-safety and Form Time work. 

Dover Grammar School for Girls has a robust anti-bullying culture and has in place a comprehensive Behaviour for Learning Policy which aims to provide a safe and supportive environment for learning. Students are also encouraged to engage actively with issues outside school, lending their influence where they can. 

MUTUAL RESPECT FOR AND TOLERANCE OF THOSE OF DIFFERENT FAITHS AND BELIEFS 

Mutual Respect is one of our key DGGS Character Values which were chosen by staff and students to represent our school values. We strive to create a community where all members of the school treat each other with respect and compassion. 

Dover Grammar School for Girls follows equal opportunities guidance which guarantees that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or similar. We are dedicated to preparing students for their adult life beyond the formal examined curriculum and ensuring that we promote and reinforce Fundamental British Values to all our students. 

Mutual respect is embraced throughout the curriculum by providing the opportunity for students to express their views in a safe environment. As a school we aim to ensure all students and staff are respected and valued. 

Our students are equipped with the ability to understand their place in a culturally diverse society by giving the opportunities to experience such diversity within the school community. Students are actively encouraged to share their faith and beliefs within the school and celebrate festivities throughout the calendar year. We are committed to the Religious Studies curriculum, which is compulsory for all students up to KS4 and also includes 15 hours of RE provision in KS5. This is to enable a broad and balanced education on a range of faiths, religions and cultures to be delivered.