The curriculum at Cranbourne actively promotes fundamental ‘British’ values. This includes the values of democracy, the rule of the law, individual liberty and mutual respect/ tolerance for others.
At Cranbourne each of these values are reinforced daily in the following ways:
Democracy
Students have a say in school life through mock elections, the student council, as British values ambassadors and being involved in the selection process of a head boy, head girl and prefects.
Individual liberty
Students are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe environment and understanding that they are accountable for those choices.
Mutual respect and tolerance
Mutual respect is an integral part of the culture at Cranbourne. For example, our RS, Modern languages and English lessons teach students to respect the values and beliefs of others, which extends to the whole school philosophy.
Rule of law
Pupils understand the difference between right and wrong. They recognise that there are consequences for every choice that they make and apply this to their lives inside and outside of school by respecting English civil and criminal law.
Our annual Cultural Diversity Evening is a celebration of inclusion, diversity and a chance to share our cultural heritage with the Cranbourne Community.
Students put on a range of different performances, including poetry in their home languages, traditional dances, songs and more.
Last year we were honoured to be joined by special guests Mamozi, a drummer based in Czech Republic, Obert Dube, a poet from Zimbabwe and Sisa Semkosi, a singing and dancing act.
English and Media
Many books will have themes covering tolerance, mutual respect and democracy. Lessons could look at how these themes are presented and how characters embody these values. Poetry, songs and languages from other cultures could also be examined. Lessons will explore the meaning of concepts such as liberty, democracy and tolerance.
PSHE/Citizenship
Students should be able to understand their personal rights and freedoms, and they should be advised on how to exercise these safely. They have the opportunity to learn about different models of democracy and take part in votes, student voice questionnaires and student councils. Topics such as anti-homophobia, equal rights and e-safety will be taught.
Religious Education
Lessons will reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others. Students should have the opportunity to visit places of worship that are significant to other faiths. Cranbourne will actively promote diversity through celebrations of different faiths and cultures.
History and Geography
Students will analyse events in UK and World History where British Values have been tested such as both World Wars. In Geography, students could look at how different cultures live and work throughout the world.
MFL
Explore different languages and cultures.
Year | Topic | British Values Link |
7 | King John and the creation of Magna Carta | Importance of individual liberty and rule of law |
8 |
'Empire of Pride or shame, what is the legacy of the British Empire?' To what extent did the end of World War One inspire further conflict and the rise of Hitler? |
Tolerance and mutual respect, individual liberty Political systems in Germany and Europe Post World War One |
9 | Enquiry 'To what extent did different groups achieve political freedom in the 19th Century?' | Democracy and individual liberty |
10 | Industrial People's Health 'How did health drastically change in the Industrial period?' | Democracy, working class vote in 1884, power of the people vs laissez faire government |
11 | Superpower relations: The Cold War | Individual liberty, democracy and other political spectrums |
Year | Topic | British Values Link |
7 | Voices from other cultures and poetry | Democracy, importance of individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance |
8 |
Media and the art of manipulation Identity poetry The Merchant of Venice |
Democracy, rule of law, mutual respect, tolerance, individual liberty Antisemitism, immigration, class, gender roles, cultural, media, propaganda |
9 |
Of Mice and Men A View From The Bridge |
Democracy, rule of law, mutual respect, tolerance, individual liberty Racism, homophobia, rights of women, gender stereotypes and sexism, disabilities |
10 |
Anthology poetry - worlds and lives An Inspector Calls A Christmas Carol |
Democracy and governance Individual liberty Mutual respect and tolerance Rule of law |
11 |
Macbeth Anthology poetry - power and conflict A range of unseen poems |
Democracy and governance Individual liberty Mutual respect and tolerance Rule of law |
Year | Topic | British Values Link |
7 |
Revolting Rhymes Japanese Dance The Haka |
Individual liberty: Students reimagine familiar stories in their own voice, celebrating creative risk-taking and choice. Exposure to non-Western cultural traditions fosters appreciation of global performance styles. Acknowledges and respects indigenous performance traditions from Māori culture. |
8 |
Theatre in Education Stage Fighting Lloyd Goddard Murder Mystery |
Democracy: Students explore social issues through peer-led workshops, promoting group discussion and consensus building on important moral choices. Builds mutual respect and responsibility, as students must safely and cooperatively execute choreographed routines. Reinforces justice, evidence-based reasoning and consequences of actions, mirroring real-world legal concepts. |
9 |
Minute Shakespeare Blood Brothers Rock and Roll / 1980s Dance Copy a Repertoire |
Democracy: Students collaboratively interpret scenes and vote on direction and performance styles, promoting equal voice in decision-making Rule of law: Explores class, crime and punishment within a British context, encouraging reflection on justice and fairness. Freedom of expression through movement, with choice in choreography and personal interpretation. Encourages students to adapt professional material with their own artistic flair. |
10 and 11 |
In Year 10 we study ‘Girls Like That’ by Evan Placy. As part of our devising topics in Year 10 and 11 |
We create a safe environment in which discussions about beauty, body image and peer pressure can be entered into. Students create their own plays that look at justice, crime and punishment. Using Paul Kings ‘GCSE Plays’ as a basis and also exposing them to Mark Wheeler plays such as ‘Too Much Punch’ for Judy and ‘Chicken!’. By studying Dennis Kelly’s ‘DNA’ students understand motivations, risks and implications that it has on teenagers around their age to give them that sense of a real world situation. |