Explore some of the things that you and others consider as British culture. You will look at how influences from around the world come together in many ways to make Britain's culture unique and varied..
Introduction
Although a small country today, Britain has in its history had links with other cultures from all over the world, in roles both as leaders and followers. This varied past gives Britain a diverse culture that has a wide range of different influences. Many of the traditions that are often considered to be British have their origins in other parts of the world. The list of things that make up British culture is infinitely long, and although there are definitely some iconic aspects to British life there cannot ever be a definitive list of everything. This is in itself an important part of being British, as it relates to the British value that everyone’s beliefs and preferences are a valid way to celebrate being British. We will explore some different ideas that people may associate with being typically British to learn where they come from and what part they play in modern British life.
Know a range of examples of British culture
Know which terms are used to refer to which parts of the British Isles
Understand how many other cultures make British culture what it is
In this course, learn about the Equality Act 2010 and how it prevents discrimination. You will learn about different types of discrimination that can occur and how to challenge discrimination that you encounter.
Introduction
The Equality Act was created to bring together several pre-existing pieces of legislation that were designed to protect people from mistreatment.
The purpose of the Equality Act is to ensure people are not discriminated against. It specifically protects against nine protected characteristics, which are things that all people will have some or all of.
The Equality Act is key to upholding the British values of mutual tolerance and respect, as well as rule of law and individual liberty.
You will learn
- Understand the purpose of the Equality Act 2010
- Understand the main types of discrimination
- Know what the nine protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010 are
- Know the importance of challenging discrimination
In this course, you will learn about rule of law, from its origins in the Magna Carta to today's legal system. You will look at how rule of law applies to you.
Introduction;
Fundamental principle of rule of law is that no individual or organisation is above the law. Everyone is accountable to abiding by the rules. This is a principle that governs us at a national level but can also be seen at local levels and even within smaller groups such as at a school or within a football team. When you are abiding by the rule of law you are agreeing that you and everyone else will follow the rules of the state or institution. In the UK, we have a network of public services that uphold Rule of Law, including police, courts and judges.This means that there is a clear process and procedure that any offence or grievance passes through so the law is upheld. A grievance is a dispute that an individual or group has, usually made into an official complaint.
While the police and army can be held to account by Parliament, courts operate above this to ensure even the government obeys the law. There are many levels of courts in the UK, each available to appeal decisions of the courts below them. This protects the system from error.
Understand what rule of law is
Explain the key principles of rule of law
Know in outline how the UK court system works
Know why it matters to you
In this course, learn what to do when British Values are not being followed. You will explore reporting crimes, contacting charities for support and campaigning for change.
Introduction
British values underpin daily life in Britain, and when everyone follows them we can all enjoy productive, happy lives. However, you may come across situations where you encounter people who are not following the British values and it is causing problems for you or someone you know.
Other times you may come across people who are saying or doing things that you disagree with, because you believe them to be wrong or harmful.
This course covers some of the things you can do to tackle the problems that may arise in such situations, through methods such as reaching out to charities or government bodies, or through peaceful and productive activism.
You will learn
- Know what to do if you are the subject of discrimination or harassment
- Understand how to report crime if you witness it
- Know what activism is and what it can be used for
- Understand the importance of respectful disagreement
In this course, explore what the public services are, looking in particular at examples such as the emergency services and the NHS. You will understand their important role in UK society.
Introduction
A public service is an organisation funded through taxpayer’s money, providing assistance to citizens across many different sectors. Tax is a system where a country collects a portion of the wages of all its citizens, usually to reinvest in benefits for the state.
The UK has several such organisations, including the NHS, emergency services, schools and colleges, and job and advice centres.
We collectively refer to the sector in which the public services are located as the public sector. Most government departments and functions are located in the public sector as they are funded by taxpayers’ money for the benefit of everyone.
You will learn
- Know some of the different public services in the UK
- Understand the role public services play in UK society
- Know why public services in the UK are important
- Know how you can support the work of the UK public services
In this course you will explore mutual respect and tolerance by examining the meaning of diversity and why it is important to modern Britain. You will look at why tolerance and respect is important to you and everyone else.
Introduction
Everyone is different, with a range of different beliefs and opinions that make us who we are. There are very few people in the world who will have identical ideas about everything, and that is part of what creates the richness and vibrance of global society.
Mutual respect and tolerance means understanding that we don’t all share the same beliefs and values. It also means allowing everyone to have their own ideas without trying to impose your thoughts onto anyone else. Being able to respect other people’s ideas is important in building honesty, trust, communication and compassion.
You will learn
- Know what mutual respect and tolerance means
- Understand some of the ways in which the UK is diverse
- Know what immigration is and how it contributes to the diversity of the UK
- Understand why respect and tolerance are important
In this course, explore how you can make a difference in your community through actions such as fundraising, campaigning and volunteering.
Introduction
Making a difference in your school, college or community is simply acting in a way that benefits those around you.
This can be as basic as setting a good example, to more complex activities such as organising charitable events. It could also mean donating your time, money or goods to support a good cause.
Making a difference can be a one-off act, or something you do regularly. Every positive action, however small, helps to make a difference.
You will learn
- Know what making a difference means
- Understand some things you can do to support your community
- Know how to find volunteering opportunities near you
This course is an introduction to the four key British Values and how they relate to you in your daily life.
Introduction
Values are principles, standards or qualities that an individual or group of people hold in high regard.
These values guide the way we live our lives and the decisions we make. A value may be defined as something that we hold dear, those things or qualities which we consider to be of worth.
A ‘value’ is commonly formed by a particular belief that is related to the worth of an idea or type of behaviour. Some people may see great value in saving the world’s rainforests. However, a person who relies on the logging of a forest for their job may not place the same value on the forest as a person who wants to save it.
You will learn
- Understand what values are and identify some values you hold
- Know what the term ‘British values’ means
- Identify what the key British values are
- Know what British values mean to you
In this course you will learn about individual liberty, with a particular focus on the Human Rights Act 1998 and how it protects a wide range of freedoms for everyone in the UK.
Introduction
Individual liberty is the right to believe, act and express yourself freely as long as you do so within the law. It means that for anything not governed by law, you can make your own choices about life.
For example, you cannot choose to steal from a shop or attack someone in the street, as these acts would be illegal. However, you can choose what to wear each day, which music you like to listen to, which shops you want to shop at and which foods you want to eat.
Individual liberty is about protecting everyone’s basic human rights so that they can enjoy their lives in the ways that they wish to. It is all about having free choice.
You will learn
- Understand what individual liberty is
- Explain what the Human Rights Act 1998 is
- Give examples of the freedoms that individual liberty protects
In this course you will learn about what democracy is and how it functions in the UK. You will explore the different systems of governance and discover how democracy matters to you.
Introduction
The word democracy comes from two Greek words; demos, meaning common people, and kratos, meaning power.
The definition of democracy is: "A system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state." That means in a democracy, you have a right and responsibility to decide how your country is run, and what decisions are made. In small groups this can mean that every person has a direct part to play in all decision making. In a larger group, such as a country, it often means that the people elect representatives to speak and make decisions on their behalf.
There are many ways of ruling or governing a group of people. In general, they can all be defined as one of five types. Sometimes a system of governance will take elements from more than one of these groups to create hybrid models, such as a democratic republic.
You will learn
- Explain different systems of governance
- Know what democracy is
- Understand how democracy works in the UK
- Know why democracy matters to you