Cobham Free School promotes and celebrates an inclusive ethos of respect, tolerance and diversity in all aspects of school life. We have a community where everyone is welcome, and all equally valued. We embrace the multi-cultural, muto-faith nature of our country and understand that as a school we have a vital part to play in ensuring that no one in our school community is subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.
Cobham Free School is committed to following equal opportunities guidance which seeks to guarantee that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or similar. We recognise the importance of preparing its students for adult life, and though both lessons in the curriculum and our pastoral program seek to develop their personal, social and employability skills. We prepare them for life beyond their GCSEs and A-levels to play a full part in diverse, changing societies wherever they end up in the world.
An understanding of British Values is a critical part of education in today’s society.
The Government emphasises that schools are required to ensure that key ‘British Values’ are taught in all UK schools. The government set out its definition of British Values in the 2011 ‘Prevent Strategy’ – values of:
Democracy
The rule of law
Individual liberty
Mutual respect
Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
British values are taught explicitly through PSHE, SMSC and wellbeing lessons, and in form time, assemblies and other pastoral sessions. This is done with teaching staff in school and outside specialist speakers. We also embed British Values throughout our curriculum.
Finally, CFS has introduced a system where teachers link relevant parts of a lesson to a British Value using imagery.
We are committed to ensuring that students leave with the strongest foundation of values upon which to build a successful life and make a successful contribution to our society.