The government places responsibility ‘on all schools to 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.’
Democracy is embedded in the Academy. Students are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and with concern to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard. Students also have the opportunity to air their opinions and ideas through our elected year group representatives and pupil voice opportunities. The elections for the school council are based solely on pupil votes, reflecting our British electoral system and demonstrating democracy in action. Additionally, students are encouraged to engage in local democratic activities such as Youth Parliament and the Derby Youth Mayor elections.
At Da Vinci Academy, students learn about the importance of freedom of speech and of the responsibility to speak kindly of others. They also learn about what happens when such freedoms are denied.
Parents and carers have the opportunity to share their opinions through questionnaires at all our parent evenings.
Rule of Law – The importance of laws whether they are those that govern the class, the Academy or the country, are consistently reinforced. Our students are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Students and families are communicated with regularly with regards to Academy rules and expectations.
All of our academy rules can be captured within the 3Rs which are known by all students – Ready, Respectful, Responsible.
When issues arise, we seek to adopt a restorative approach to fixing things through restorative conversations and/or restorative learning.
The academy works closely with the local authorities, including the police service.
Individual Liberty – Within the Academy, students are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As an Academy we educate and provide boundaries for our pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and an empowering education. Our students are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely; examples of this can be clearly seen in our Life lessons. Whether it is through choice of challenge; of how they record; of participation in our numerous extended curriculum activities; our students are given the freedom to make choices.
The academy has a strong anti-bullying culture and we seek to value and understand students’ individual characteristics and attributes. We provide opportunities for students to explore their personal identities and beliefs, and others are called upon to respect these in the context of individual rights, multi-culturalism, community cohesion and harmony.
Mutual Respect and Tolerance of others of those with different faiths and beliefs – We challenge prejudice or discriminatory behaviour and actions. We learn about, discuss, and appreciate that different people have different faiths, ethnic backgrounds, genders, sexualities, abilities and disabilities.
Mutual Respect – Respect is seen as an important value in our Academy. Students know and understand that it is expected and imperative that respect is shown to everyone, whatever differences we may have and to everything, however big or small. The value of respect at Da Vinci Academy underpins much of our work every day both in and out of the classroom. We are proud of our inclusive culture and strong belief we are “One Team, Changing World”
Tolerance of Those With Different Faiths, Cultures and Beliefs – The key value of respect ensures tolerance of those who have different faiths, cultures and beliefs. Da Vinci Academy enhances pupils’ understanding of different faiths, cultures and beliefs through assemblies, visits and visitors and the wider curriculum, as well as studying a range of faiths and belief systems in RE.
At Da Vinci we place a strong emphasis on ensuring our students are not only qualified but equipped for the world of work. The success of this strategy is evidenced in our year-on-year NEETS figures. Our programme includes:
Whilst preparation for work is important, much of our life is spent away from work and at Da Vinci Academy we believe it is important to prepare our young people to make good use of their leisure time and to be able to live healthy, safe, confident and independent adult lives. We prepare our young people for life beyond work through:
