British Values
- Democracy – can be seen as a state of society characterised by equality of rights and privileges. It can also refer to our nation’s electoral systems
- The rule of law – all people and institutions are subject to and accountable to law that is fairly applied and enforced
- Individual liberty – suggests the free exercise of rights generally seen as outside government control
- Mutual respect – the proper regard for an individual’s dignity, which is reciprocated
- Tolerance – of those with different faiths and beliefs, and for those without faith – a fair, objective and permissive attitude to those whose faith and beliefs may differ from one’s own
At St. St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Primary School, we actively promote British Values in the following ways:
Democracy
All children are encouraged to debate topics of interest, express their views and make a meaningful contribution to the running of the school on matters that directly involve pupils. Children also have the opportunity to have their voices heard through pupil questionnaires and Pupil Voice sessions.
The principle of democracy is explored in the curriculum as well as during assemblies and special days.
Our Positive Behaviour & Relationships Policy involves rewards which the pupils have discussed and assisted in the creation.
St. Andrew the Apostle pupils have had active involvement in the selection processes of Head Prefects, School Council members, Green Knights, Buddies and worship Warriors as well as in some cases appointment of staff.
Rule of Law
Our school follows our ‘Golden Charter’, which is integral to our learning and ethos every day.
School rules and expectations are clear, fair and regularly promoted.
Pupils are always supported to distinguish right from wrong, in the classroom, during collective worship and on the playground.
Pupils are encouraged to respect the law understanding that it used to protect us and keep us safe.
Pupils are taught about religious laws through Religious Education lessons.
Our Positive Behaviour & Relationships Policy set out a zero-tolerance baseline for any form of aggression, abuse or violence, which extends to pupils, staff, parents and carers.
Individual Liberty
Within school, pupils are actively encouraged, and given the freedom to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment.
Pupils are supported to develop their understanding that it is their responsibility as children of God to look after and care for His creation.
Pupils are supported to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence.
Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their behaviour and our pastoral support reinforces the importance of making the right choices.
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 teaching and Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) lessons.
Vulnerable pupils are protected and stereotypes challenged. A strong anti-bullying culture is embedded in the school and any form of bullying is challenged and addressed. The school also operates a robust system of logging incidents.
Pupils have key roles and responsibilities in school e.g. Council Members, Classroom Monitors, Playground Mediators.
Mutual Respect and Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs
Respect is one of the core values of our school. The pupils know and understand that it is expected that respect is shown to everyone, adults and children.
Pupils are supported in the understanding that we are all God’s children and are made in His image and likeness, all of equal value.
Pupils are helped to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life.
Staff and pupils are encouraged to challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour.
Links and visits are promoted with local faith communities and places of worship.
Through the RSHE and RE curriculums, pupils are encouraged to discuss and respect differences between people, such as differences of faith, ethnicity, disability, gender or sexuality and differences of family situations.
Collective Worship and discussions involving prejudices and prejudiced-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in Religious Education (RE) and RSHE.
We offer a culturally rich and diverse curriculum in which all major religions are studied and respected and global dimension work embedded in many of our whole school enrichment days/weeks.