British Values
All schools in England must actively promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs, both in lessons and beyond the classroom.
At St Catharine’s, these values are woven into everyday school life and sit naturally alongside our Gospel values.
Our Gospel values
As a Catholic primary school, we also uphold the values of the Gospel: love and compassion, forgiveness and mercy, humility and dignity, respect for all, justice and peace.
Guided by our motto, “Let your light shine”, we strive to be a community where everyone is equally respected and unconditionally loved.
How we promote British values
Democracy
Adults listen to pupils’ views and value their opinions, and children learn to listen to and respect the views of others, supported by our oracy work. Pupils elect their own School Parliament, whose members gather the views of their classmates. This helps children understand how democracy gives everyone a voice. Our children have visited Parliament, one pupil was invited to speak there about saving bees, and pupils have written to the Prime Minister about climate change.
In action:School Parliament electionsOracyPupil voice
The rule of law
The importance of rules and laws is reinforced in class and in assemblies. Children learn that laws protect us, that they bring responsibilities, and that there are consequences when they are broken. Everyone follows our three school rules, Ready, Respectful, Safe. Visits to Skillzone and from local community representatives reinforce these messages. Children learn that we are all equal under the law, and that discriminating against others because of characteristics such as age, disability, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation is not only wrong but illegal.
In action:Ready, Respectful, SafeSkillzoneCommunity visitors
Individual liberty
Pupils are encouraged to be independent learners who make choices within a safe and supportive environment. We help children build their self-esteem and confidence, and to understand their personal freedoms and how to use them well. Through RE and PSHE, children learn consideration for others, and they enthusiastically support local, national and global charities. Online safety teaching helps them make safe choices online.
In action:PSHECharity workOnline safety
Mutual respect
Assemblies promote respect for others and the importance of good manners. Children learn the value of self-respect, honesty, open communication and fair play. Pupils work together, listen to each other and value one another’s opinions.
In action:AssembliesCollaborative learningFair play
Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs
As a Catholic worshipping community, we help pupils understand their place in a culturally diverse society through RE and the spiritual life of the school. Assemblies and class work celebrate diversity and every person’s right to be respected and valued equally, whatever their faith or belief. We have no outsiders and we extend a welcome to all. We believe this welcome goes further than tolerance.
In action:Religious EducationCollective WorshipNo outsiders
When pupils leave St Catharine’s, they will:
- be aware of their responsibilities as citizens of a democratic society
- understand how they can uphold these core British values
- be aware of, and respect, the culturally diverse society in which they live.
