What is the Prevent strategy?
Prevent is a government strategy designed to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorist or extremist causes. The Prevent strategy covers all types of terrorism and extremism, including the extreme right wing, violent groups and other causes.
How does the Prevent strategy apply to schools?
From July 2015 all schools (as well as other organisations) have a duty to safeguard young people from radicalisation and extremism. This means we have a responsibility to protect young people from extremist and violent views the same way we protect them from drugs or gang violence.
Importantly, we can provide a safe place for pupils to discuss these issues so they better understand how to protect themselves.
KEY TERMS
Extremism – vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values such as democracy, the rule of law and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs
Ideology – a set of beliefs
Terrorism – a violent action against people or property, designed to create fear and advance a political, religious or ideological cause
Radicalisation – the process by which a person comes to support extremism and terrorism
What does this mean in practice?
Many of the things we already do in school to help young people become positive, happy members of society also contribute to the Prevent strategy.
These include:
- Exploring other cultures and religions and promoting diversity
- Challenging prejudices and racist comments
- Developing critical thinking skills and a strong, positive self-identity
- Promoting the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils, as well as British values such as democracy
We will also protect young people from the risk of radicalisation, for example by using filters on the internet to make sure they can’t access extremist and terrorist material, or by vetting visitors who come into school to work with pupils.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Prevent relate to British values?
Schools have been required to promote British values since 2014, and this will continue to be part of our response to the Prevent strategy.
British values include:
- Democracy
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Mutual respect
- Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs
How does this relate to Myton?
At Myton School we are committed to upholding and giving students the opportunity to demonstrate the British values of democracy, individual liberty, the rule of law, mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith. Students are able to explore these through a variety of ways including; assemblies, form time, extracurricular opportunities and throughout aspects of the curriculum.
These values are embedded within the Myton School learning habits. These ten habits make up the schools behaviour policy, standards for success and skills-based learning in all lessons. They endeavour to enable students to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence. The school is committed to establishing a strong ethos supported by effective relationships throughout the school. All teachers aim to give students the opportunity to develop and demonstrate skills and attitudes that will allow them to participate fully in and contribute positively to life in modern Britain.
Isn’t my child too young to learn about extremism?
The Prevent strategy is not just about discussing extremism itself, which may not be appropriate for younger students. It is also about teaching young people values such as tolerance and mutual respect. The school will make sure any discussions are suitable for the age and maturity of the young people involved.
Is extremism really a risk in our area?
Extremism can take many forms, including political, religious and misogynistic extremism. Some of these may be a bigger threat in our area than others. We will give young people the skills to protect them from any extremist views they may encounter, now or later in their lives.
