British Values

DfE definition (2014)

‘Schools should 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’

At St. Joseph's Catholic Primary School, we believe that the best way to promote British Values is through our ethos, the way the school is run, the decisions we make and the behaviour we model. However, we recognise the importance of ensuring the children think and learn about each of the British Values and how that affects their own decisions and behaviour. Each term, we focus on one British Value and think explicitly about examples in school.

Term 1 - Democracy

Term 2 - Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

Term 3 - Individual Liberty 

Term 4 - Rule of Law

Term 5 - Mutual Respect

Term 6 - Best of British

Democracy

The election of the School prefects, house captains, well being champions and learning mentors reflects our British electoral system and demonstrates democracy in action: candidates make speeches, pupils consider characteristics important for an elected representative, pupils vote in secret. These elected pupils take part in discussions on a wide range of issues including school priorities, teaching and learning, charitable events, extra-curricular clubs. Parent and staff opinions are welcomed through questionnaires and surveys and there are many opportunities for pupil voice.  The curriculum offers opportunity for debates to take place.

The Rule of Law

The importance of Laws, whether related to a playground game, the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout all aspects of school life. Pupils are taught rules and laws are in place for a purpose whether this is to make life fair or to protect us. Pupils are involved in our Behaviour Management Policy ensuring that rules, rewards and consequences are fair, consistent and appropriate.

Individual Liberty

Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make choices safely, through provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it is through choice of learning challenge, of how they record, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.

The Rule of Law and Individual Liberty are further embedded through:

Class rules agreed upon and understood by all and displayed in classes.

Positive behaviour policy applied consistently and fairly.

Curriculum that highlights the rules of the Church and God in RE.

Curriculum that teaches about the British Monarchy eg 'Bright Lights, Big City' topic in Year 1 teaches about Queen Elizabeth

Pupils in roles and responsibilities across the school.

Supporting wide range of charities.

Mutual Respect

At St. Joseph's, respect is at the heart of our mission statement and our values. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect. In line with our commitment to democracy,  pupils are always able to voice their opinions as we foster an environment where pupils can debate ideas and are safe to disagree with each other.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

 This is achieved through equipping pupils with the ability to develop positive values, understand their own beliefs and their place in a culturally diverse society. Our RE and PSHE teaching reinforce the teaching and tolerance of other faiths. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. Learning other languages directly contributes to the appreciation of others perspectives on life

As a school we will actively challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views.

Mutual Respect and Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs are further embedded through:

Inclusive mission statement

Anti-bullying policy

PSHE Curriculum- emphasis that every person is unique and “created in the image of God”

Celebration of multi-faith week including visits to a range of places of worship.

PE curriculum teaches about good sportmanship

Language of the term

Learning about different cultures through the curriculum eg. Mayan culture.

Picture News Class Assemblies