British Values

British Values

Ormiston Kensington Queensmill Academy is dedicated to making a positive impact within its community. 

We recognise the rich diversity of the United Kingdom, which is home to multiple cultures and faiths and is constantly evolving. At OKQA we take our responsibility seriously in safeguarding our community from any form of undue or unlawful influence, ensuring that all individuals feel safe, respected. 

At OKQA we are committed to promoting the fundamental British values. These values are embedded throughout our school curriculum, ethos, and daily life. 

We encourage a democratic culture within the school by giving students a voice and involving them in decision-making processes. This includes: 

  • A student council where representatives are elected by their peers. 
  • Differentiated ways to vote or make choices to ensure accessibility for all pupils. 
  • Opportunities to express opinions through classroom discussions through circle time & PHSE sessions

Understanding the importance of laws—both within school and in wider society—is a key focus at OKQA we promote this through: 

  • Adult modelling  
  • Teaching pupils about ‘expected’ and ‘unexpected’ behaviours. 
  • So Safe! Sessions  
  • Social stories & visual aids  
  • Trips into the community and how to manage in unpredictable environments  
  • Consistently reinforce high but realistic expectations of pupils. Model and teach positive reinforcement and appropriate behaviours. 

We foster an environment where students feel safe and confident to express their individuality and make choices. This is achieved through: 

  • Encouraging participation in extracurricular activities and student-led initiatives. 
  • School council  
  • Where possible, teaching students about rights, responsibilities, and personal freedoms in PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic education). 
  • Online safety education to help students make informed choices in the digital world. 
  • SoSafe! 
  • All pupils have individualised communication approaches, ensuring that each pupil’s voice can be heard.  
  • Use of visual aids to support expression and decision making  
  • Staff always honour and respect pupils’ choices  
  • Celebration assemblies and progress certificates 
  • Autism friendly approaches and strategies to allow independence and freedom of actions and movements within school 

Respect is a fundamental part of our school ethos. We promote this by: 

  • Encouraging positive relationships between students and staff. 
  • Providing pupils with various activities which promote peer interaction and teamwork. (e.g. Cricle time, social well-being sessions, Lego therapy, structured playground games) 
  • Inclusive practice modelled across the school community 
  • Exploration of and incorporation of each pupil’s special interests.  
  • Delivering assemblies and lessons that focus on respect, kindness, and teamwork. 

We celebrate the diversity of our school community and promote understanding between different cultures and religions through: 

  • Cultural events and celebrations that encourage inclusivity and learning. 
  • Celebration Squad events 
  • Weekly celebration assemblies and celebration weeks throughout the year where a range of faiths and religions are celebrated. 
  • Class-based RE curriculum celebrating the different faiths, including special days or weeks to explore a particular festival/faith. 
  • Modelling positive behaviour and teach respect by providing range of social interaction activities.  
  • Opportunities for staff and pupils to dress in traditional clothing and share foods from their communities.  

By embedding these values into school life, we prepare our students to contribute positively to a diverse and evolving society.