Extremism and Radicalisation

Extremism – a vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.

Radicalisation – the process by which a person comes to support terrorism and forms of extremism leading to terrorism.

Terrorism – an action that endangers or causes serious violence damage or disruption and is intended to influence the Government or to intimidate the public and is made with the intention of advancing a political, religious or ideological cause.

Extremism can be categorised into the following areas :

• International Terrorism (Al Qaida, Al Shabaab alongside other non-islamist terrorist groups such as the Basque group ETA)
• Domestic Terrorism (Extreme Right Wing (XRW), Animal Rights, Environmental, Extreme Left Wing (XLW) and Emerging Trends including Single Issue groups)
• Northern Ireland Related Terrorism

Culcheth High School recognises the Governments concern that the UK continues to face a threat from terrorism. One security concern is the potential for British citizens and residents to become radicalised and commit acts of violence or terrorism.

Violent Extremism is defined by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) as:

“The demonstration of unacceptable behaviour by using any means or medium to express views, which:

• Encourage, justify or glorify terrorist violence in furtherance of particular beliefs;
• Seek to provoke others to terrorist acts;
• Encourage other serious criminal activity or seek to provoke others to serious criminal acts;
• Foster hatred which might lead to inter-community violence in the UK.”

Our school is a safe place where pupils can explore controversial issues safely and where our teachers encourage and facilitate this – we have a duty to ensure this happens. However there is no place for extremist views of any kind in our school, whether from internal sources – pupils, staff or governors; or external sources – school community, external agencies or individuals.

As a school we recognise that extremism and exposure to extremist materials and influences can lead to poor outcomes for children and so should be addressed as a safeguarding concern as set out in this policy. We also recognise that if we fail to challenge extremist views we are failing to protect our pupils.

Extremists of all persuasions aim to develop destructive relationships between different communities by promoting division, fear and mistrust of others based on ignorance or prejudice and thereby limiting the life chances of young people. Education is a powerful weapon against this; equipping young people with the knowledge, skills and critical thinking, to challenge and debate in an informed way.

Therefore, we will provide a broad and balanced curriculum, delivered by skilled professionals, so that our pupils are enriched, understand and accept difference and diversity and also to ensure that they thrive, feel valued and not marginalised.

Furthermore we are aware that young people can be exposed to extremist influences or prejudiced views from an early age, which emanate from a variety of sources, including the internet, and at times pupils may themselves reflect or display views that may be discriminatory, prejudiced or extremist, including using derogatory language.

Any prejudice, discrimination or extremist views, including derogatory language, displayed by pupils or staff will always be challenged and where appropriate dealt with in line with our Behaviour Management Policy and the Safeguarding policy.

Where misconduct by a teacher is proven, the matter will be referred to the National College for Teaching and Leadership for their consideration as to whether to a Prohibition Order is warranted.

Students Information & Useful Websites

Parental Information