British Values

Promoting British Values at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School

“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.”

The Values we want everyone to show at St Joseph’s are:

 

Democracy:

Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council and Pupil conversations and questionnaires. The children have the chance to elect a representative from each class that they feel will represent their classes views. The school council has been involved in funding raising for those less fortunate than ourselves. We also have Sports Ambassadors (‘Sports Crew’) that are elected to represent classes. The Sports Crew has had their say in the extra-curricular clubs they want and also in the purchase of PE equipment. In the future the school council will be contributing to the improvement and development of the school.

Each year our school takes part in ‘Parliament week’ and invites our local MP Robin Walker to talk to pupils or chair debating sessions.

Values covered under this topic include:

• Intentional and Prophetic
• Compassionate and Loving
• Eloquent and Truthful

The Rule of Law:

'Within them I shall plant my law, writing it on their hearts. Then I shall be their God and they will be my people'.
Jeremiah 31:33
 

The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently

reinforced throughout regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. We also have close links with authorities such as the Police; Fire Service; and where ever possible visits are arrange to help reinforce this message.

Values covered under this topic include:

• Compassionate and Loving
• Faith-filled and Hopeful
• Attentive and Discerning

Individual Liberty:

Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make safety choices, through of provision of a safe environment and an empowering education.  Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and circle time. Pupils are given the freedom to make choices and encouraged to become independent leaners.

Values covered under this topic include:

• Curious and Active
• Compassionate and Loving
• Grateful and Generous

Mutual Respect:

At the heart of our Gospel teachings from Jesus Christ is:

‘To love one another as I have loved you’.

This is at the core of our school and we expect all to adhere to this teaching regardless of their background, faith, or race. Everyone is treated with respect in our school. Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy has revolved around Core Values such as ‘Respect’, and pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown.  Another value we promote is ensuring that we focus on ‘Manners and Politeness’ towards everyone in our school.

Values covered under this topic include:

• Grateful and Generous
• Compassionate and Loving
• Learned and Wise

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. One of our termly values is to celebrate ‘Uniqueness and Tolerance’. Through this each year group works on different cultures / faiths and has visitors or trips related to this. For example children in Year 5 and Year 6 visited the Islamic Exhibition Centre in Birmingham. We also through our Remembrance week recognised all those who fought and died in World Wars to maintain and uphold our values.

Values covered under this topic include:

• Faith-Filled and Hope
• Attentive and Discerning
• Intentional and Prophetic