British Values

 St Mary's Catholic First School

Statement of British Values

 Since September 2014, the DfE has 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.’

At St Mary’s we reinforce these values regularly and in the ways listed below:

Democracy

      We provide children with a broad general knowledge of, and promote respect for, public institutions and services

      Children are involved in democratic processes e.g. voting for school councillors; DASP Citizens of the Week and Year; shared rewards; Eco councillors. They are also involved in the recruitment process for teachers.

      Our oldest children learn about different forms of government and their own government. Representatives of the School Council meet with other schools at DASP Pupil Voice.

      Representatives of our children visited the Houses of Parliament in 2015 to present letters for the ‘Send my Child to School’ campaign.

      Pupils have an annual questionnaire where they can put forward their ideas about the school.

      We model how perceived injustice can be peacefully challenged.

      Each class draws up its own Class Charter which forms the basis for their rewards and sanctions.

      Children learn, through Single Steps, how to work in a group – adopting a role and listening to others’ opinions.

      Our Year 2 children lay a wreath of poppies at the Cenotaph each year and take part in the Town Council service. We also sell poppies at school.

The Rule of Law

    The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, school or country are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, as well as dealing with behaviour. Pupils are taught the rules of the school from an early age.

    We have links with the local police through the PCSO and Safer Schools Community Team.

    The children have clear rewards and sanctions policies and understand the playground behaviour scheme. The class who gains the most playground merit cards wins the weekly trophy.

    Children are taught the rules/laws of different faiths through their R.E. topics.

    Children are taught about the Unicef Rights for all Children

    We help pupils to distinguish between right and wrong

    Pupils are helped to understand the law and the basis on which it is made. They are taught that laws govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken.

Individual Liberty

      Pupils are supported to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence. We have 2 ELSA trained staff who can provide extra support for this when necessary.

      Pupils are encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are made in a safe and supportive environment. As a school, we educate pupils and provide boundaries for them to make informed choices through the provision of a safe environment and empowering education.

      Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their own behaviour, as well as knowing their rights and personal freedoms. They are advised how to exercise these safely e.g. through our e-safety education and acceptable use agreements.

      Pupils are given the freedom to make choices e.g. through choice of learning challenge.

      Children have key roles and responsibilities within school e.g. buddies, Year 4 Playground Wardens.

      We model freedom of speech through discussions, voting opportunities whilst promoting respect for other peoples’ views.

      Stereotypes are challenged

      We implement a strong anti-bullying culture

Respect and Tolerance

      We promote respect for individual differences and celebrate personal achievements.

      We assist pupils in their understanding of their own and others’ cultures and ways of life.

      Prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour is challenged

     Through the R.E. syllabus ‘God Matters’ children are taught about different faiths and differences between them are discussed.

      We discuss differences and similarities between people and between different family situations.

      Pupils are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills.

      We actively challenge any child or adult expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views.