IDENTITY: WHO ARE WE?

‘We can find common qualities and common values that have made Britain the country it is. Our belief in tolerance and justice which shines through British history. Our commitment to fairness. Fair play and civic duty.’ ( Gordon Brown)

Habits of Mind: Questioning and Posing Problems

During the summer holidays I took a guided tour of Westminster Abbey, something that I have been wanting to do for a very long time. It certainly exceeded my expectations and I found the whole experience both inspiring and illuminating.

One of the first things that struck me in the Abbey commentary was that it stated how Westminster Abbey was a place that ‘took memory seriously’. That much was clearly evident in the many tombs and memorials marking the lives of British kings, queens, musicians, writers, scientists etc. Here was a building bearing witness to the great, the good and the sometimes not-so-good (!) who have contributed to the making of Britain. What we remember plays an important part in the formation of our identity and links us to events in the past that have shaped our society. Memory is not only written in physical memorials because Westminster Abbey is also a place where services of national remembrance take place and festivals are celebrated on a yearly cycle telling the Christian faith story which underpins the values we espouse.

We remember to know who we are and where we have come from. We can feel inspired by the memories of the past but also learn from the less glorious aspects, so that history does not repeat itself. Individual identity is also linked to memory and how well we can integrate the good and the not-so-good into our personal stories and reconcile the contradictions.

But to have a sense of national identity reminds us that we are a part of something bigger. That we are part of a still unfolding story and we can contribute to that story.

At school we learn about who we are and we are committed to upholding and celebrating the five key principles that make up ‘British values’, whatever our backgrounds and from wherever we have come in the world. These are the values under which we can unite and feel secure. They are the principles of:

1. Democracy
2. The Rule of Law
3. Individual Liberty
4. Mutual Respect
5. Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs

We aim to live out these principles in the governance of the school and in our daily dealings with one another. This is who we are and as we start a new school year we look forward to being a part of a community in which all can flourish.

Christine Crossley