British Values
All British schools must ‘actively promote fundamental British values to their pupils, both in lessons and in extracurricular activities’.
The British Values are:
- Democracy
- The Rule of Law
- Individual Liberty
- Mutual Respect
- Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
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. Our motto is to ‘Let Your Light Shine’ and together we strive to be a school community where everyone is equally respected and unconditionally loved.
Democratic values are an explicit part of the ethos at St. Catharine’s. Adults listen to the views of the pupils and value their opinions. Pupils are taught to listen to and respect the views of others. We are promoting this through our Oracy work. Pupils have further opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Parliament. The elections of School Parliament are the result of pupil votes and these groups canvas the opinions of their peers. These elections help the children to understand the importance of democracy in securing a fair society where everyone has a voice. Before Covid-19, we have taken our children to Parliament and one pupil was invited to Parliament to speak about saving bees. More recently, pupils have written to the Prime Minister ahead of COP 26- Climate Conference.
The importance of laws and rules are consistently reinforced in the classroom, as well as through school assemblies. Pupils are taught to understand the need for laws: that they are there for individual protection, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Pupils follow a positive behaviour policy and clearly understand the rewards and sanctions that are used. Assemblies and discussions in class focus on recognising right from wrong, and visits to Skillzone, and visits from local community representatives, help to reinforce these messages. They also emphasise that we are all equal under the law and that it is not only wrong, but illegal to discriminate against others on the basis of characteristics such as age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We have no outsiders.
Pupils are encouraged to be independent learners, constantly making choices, within a safe and supportive environment. Developing their self-esteem and self-confidence is very important. Pupils are encouraged to understand their personal freedoms and are taught how to use these rights to best effect. All pupils are keen to support charities, whether local, national or global. They are taught consideration for others through the Religious Education curriculum and PSHE lessons in particular. E-safety teaching enables them to make choices in a safe manner.
Assemblies constantly promote respect for others and the importance of good manners. All pupils are taught the importance of self-respect, honesty and open communication with others and fair play. Pupils work collaboratively and value others’ opinions.
As a Catholic worshipping community, pupils are reminded of their place in a culturally diverse society. This is achieved through the Religious Education curriculum and the spiritual life of the school. Assemblies and class work promote the diversity of society and the right for each person to be respected and valued equally regardless of faith and belief. We have no outsiders and we extend welcome to all. We believe this ‘welcome’ extends further than ‘tolerance.’
- Be aware of their responsibilities as citizens of a democratic society
- Have an awareness of how they can maintain the underpinning core British values
- Maintain an awareness and respect for the culturally diverse society in which they live
