At Birchwood High School we actively promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

This is done through a carefully coordinated programme of personal development, including assemblies and guest speakers, as well as trips to the Houses of Parliament, local churches and other religious centres.

We monitor the curriculum both inside and outside lessons to ensure that all students receive a broad and balanced experience that reflects today’s modern British culture and promotes the following:

• An understanding of how citizens can influence decision-making through the democratic process.
• An understanding that the freedom to hold other faiths and beliefs is protected in law.
• An acceptance that people having different faiths or beliefs to oneself (or having none) should be accepted and tolerated, and should not be the cause of prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour.
• An understanding of the importance of identifying and combatting discrimination.

We monitor the impact of promoting these 4 key principals through lesson observations and in the context of SMSC (Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural) education which is a strength of the school.

Student leaders, democratically elected by their peers, have a significant voice in terms of future planning and feedback. More information about Student Council can be found here.

Furthermore, our extensive safeguarding procedures ensure that our young people only come into contact with adults who have passed full and comprehensive background checks.