British and Gospel Values
Rationale:
The DfE has recently reinforced the need “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation 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.”
Intentions:
- To enable pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence;
- To enable pupils to distinguish right from wrong and to respect the civil and criminal law of Britain;
- To encourage pupils to accept responsibility for their behaviour, show initiative, and to understand how they can contribute positively to the lives of those living and working in the locality of the school and to society more widely;
- To enable pupils to acquire a broad general knowledge of and respect for public institutions and services in Britain;
- To further tolerance and harmony between different cultural traditions by enabling pupils to acquire an appreciation of and respect for their own and other cultures;
- To encourage respect for other people;
- To encourage respect for democracy and support for participation in the democratic processes, including respect for the basis on which the law is made and applied in Britain.
Democracy:
Pupil voice is taken seriously, with children being asked their opinions and suggestions about school matters. Regular meetings of the democratically-selected School Council ensure that pupils are able to make valuable contributions to the development of the School and often represent the School in different ways, such as showing prospective parents around. Sports Council representatives also provide excellent role models for younger pupils.
The Rule of Law:
Pupils throughout St. Mary’s develop their understanding of what is right and what is wrong. Each year, they are involved in developing their own class rules and are reminded of what they can expect of/from the School and what the School expects of them in order to maximise their learning. Through their daily School life and explicitly in PHSE lessons, they develop their understanding of actions, responsibilities and consequences.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:
This is achieved through enhancing pupils’ understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Learning about a wide range of different religions in RE and PSHE offer these opportunities and also support in discussions around the issue of prejudice. Our children enjoy sharing their different religions with each other and show love and respect for each other.
Mutual Respect:
It is an abiding expectation that all members of the School’s community demonstrate a respectful attitude at all times. Discussions, assemblies, team games in PE and PSHE lessons across the School help to reinforce this message. Bullying is not tolerated and pupils are taught about the different types of bullying, why they might occur and discuss possible strategies for dealing with incidents should they witness any.
Individual Liberty:
Within School, pupils are actively encouraged to make their own choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. From the earliest age, Nursery and Reception pupils exercise individual freedoms through their child-initiated learning: As a School, we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make choices safely through the provision of a safe environment and empowering education.
Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely through:
- Online Safety and Ten:Ten lessons
- Choices about their learning
- Participation in our numerous clubs and opportunities to represent the school
- Circle time sessions
- Pupil Parliament
Assembly Time:
Time is given to sharing and discussing British Values in weekly assembly slots. Each year group has a Gospel value and when it is their turn the children prepare an Act of Worship based on their Gospel theme and linked British Value. They set the rest of the school a mission and a chance to live out the values.
Click the link below to read our British Values Policy.
