Promoting British Values
Promoting British Values at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School
‘At St Joseph’s we love, learn and live by the example of Jesus Christ’
The DfE have 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.” The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy and these values have been reiterated by government this year.
The Department for Education defines British Values as follows:
Respect for democracy and support or participation in the democratic process
Respect for the basis on which the law is made and applies in England
Support for equality of opportunity for all
Support and respect for the liberties of all within the law
Respect for and tolerance of different faiths and religious and other beliefs
Our catholic ethos supports us to live out the values of Jesus Christ which recognises that every person is unique and is created in the image of God (Gen 1:27). We promote these values by our words and deeds, and therefore Catholic doctrine and practice permeates every aspect of the school’s activity.
We provide a curriculum, which is broad and balanced. All curriculum areas provide a vehicle for teaching British values. Assemblies and RE and PSHE lessons provide excellent opportunities to deepen, develop and further the pupil’s understanding of these concepts. We incorporate democratic principles, value the rule of law, support individual liberty and foster a community in which different faiths and beliefs are respected.
Our curriculum is designed to enable every pupil to discern their vocation and to be well-equipped to follow it as active citizens in service to the world. Catholic Religious Education is the “core of the core curriculum” (Pope St John Paul II) and the foundation of the entire educational process. Curriculum enrichment also ensures a wide range of extra-curricular activities and strong pastoral support.
Our school therefore reflects British values in all that we do. We aim to nurture our children on their journey through life so they can grow into safe, caring, democratic, responsible and tolerant adults who make a positive difference to British society and to the world. We encourage our children to be creative, unique, open-minded and independent individuals, respectful of themselves and of others in our school, our local community and the wider world.
At St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
British Value | Intent | Implementation | Impact |
Democracy
| The children at St Joseph’s witness democracy borne out in a whole variety of ways and see this as being an essential component of successful team working.
Democracy is a school value that children meet when discussing respect and fairness. | Pupil voice is embedded in: School Council Representatives Pupil Chaplaincy Team Caritas Ambassadors Sports Leaders Year 6 Buddies Pupil Questionnaires Debate Club RE and Personal Development planning and books | Children are able to work co-operatively in pairs and groups as well as in whole class situations. They understand about turn taking and respecting the views of others. Children in KS1 & KS2 are able to use the language of rights and responsibilities |
Rule of law
| The children at St Joseph’s are familiar with this concept through the strong Christian values of the school and the promotion of; ‘The Commandments’ within Christian Teaching Behaviour Policy Home/School Agreement Class Rules Rights and responsibilities The knowledge that different religions have guiding principles. Pupils know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and respect the rights of others. | RE Curriculum based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church School Mission Statement Creation of Class Rules Behaviour Policy Home/ School Agreement PSHE Curriculum School Council | Children are able to articulate how and why we need to behave in school and demonstrate that they understand and can abide by school rules. |
Individual Liberty
| Our assemblies and lessons often begin with discussion about self, e.g. self-respect and self-worth in relation to the individual value so that children see that they are important in their own right. The philosophy of our teaching and learning places emphasis on the right to have our own thoughts and evidence-based views. Children are strongly encouraged to develop independence in learning and to think for themselves. | Pupil focus groups School Council School Chaplaincy Team Caritas Ambassadors Through our school mission statement, RE and Personal Development curriculum, pupils are taught about personal responsibility, choices, ambition and aspiration. They are encouraged to take opportunites to follow their interest in art, music, sport etc. and given opportunities to do this though a rang of school clubs. | Children understand about the importance of accepting responsibility and of their right to be heard in school. They are consulted on many aspects of school life and demonstrate independence of thought and action. They understand how to keep themselves safe, including on-line. |
Mutual Respect
| Respect for all is at the heart of the school ethos and therefore is a fundamental school value, around which pivots much of the work of the school. We pay explicit attention to this as part of our RE, PHSE, and SMSC curriculum. Respect is a school value that is discussed deeply, starting with self-respect and covering respect for family, friends, and other groups; the world and its people; and the environment. | School Mission Statement Broad and balanced curriculum PSHE Curriculum Assemblies Key British and World Events celebrated, e.g. Queen’s Golden Jubilee, King's Coronation | Children can articulate why respect is important; how they show respect to others and how they feel about it for themselves. Children’s behaviour demonstrates their excellent understanding of this value in action.
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| Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs | St Joseph's is situated in a culturally diverse area; therefore we place a great emphasis on celebrating differences within our pupils beliefs. | RE curriculum includes teaching about other world faiths and visits to places of worship. Assemblies to celebrate significant religious festivals, e.g. Diwali and Ramadan | Children are able to talk about different faiths and cultures they learn about, ask questions and show tolerance and respect for others of different faiths and religions. |