British Values
Promoting British Values at St. Anthony’s Catholic Primary School
The Department for Education expects 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 school’s values and ethos is one of tolerance and respect in order to grow in the image of Jesus. The recognition that all people are to be valued regardless of beliefs, background or ethnic origin is reflected in the school’s Equality Statement and rooted in the Christian values that underpin our community.
Our school actively promotes British values inside and outside the curriculum in the following ways.
Democracy:
Pupils are taught how they can influence decision making through the democratic process and have the opportunity to have their voices heard within the school.
The pupil elected school council works with staff to improve the school and influence school policy. They hold regular meetings and get the opinions of others in their class before feeding back to staff.
In addition, pupil voice interviews are further opportunities to promote the individual opinion within the school and to prioritise actions and evaluate the success and impact of change.
Class teachers often use class votes to decide upon class activities. The Year 5 and 6 pupils vote for both the Lisbon and Padua captain and vice-captain to lead each house from the start of the year following on from collective discussion and campaigning.
“The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.” –Proverbs 14:15
The Rule of Law
We actively promote and teach the pupils about the rules of law that governs the class, school or country.
Policies and procedures are in place to tackle behaviour and attitudes which are contrary to the school’s moral code and expectations.
Pupils are taught the difference between right and wrong as well as the importance of honesty, forgiveness and reparation through our class and school rules. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken.
Visits from local authorities such as the Police; the Fire Service and taking part in Road Safety Week activities as parts of our calendar help to reinforce this message.
“For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the does or the law who will be justified.” –Romans 2:13
Individual Liberty
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 and this is done in an atmosphere of tolerance and acceptance within the school.
Pupils are encouraged to understand their personal freedoms and are taught how to use these rights to best effect, alongside the responsibilities that go with these rights.
Pupils are given the freedom to make choices within the school, with many children choosing to participate in extra-curricular activities of their own preference.
“But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.” –James 1:25
Mutual Respect
As a faith community, mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others.
All members of the school community treat each other with respect as we actively encourage children to live out our Mission Statement “Grown and Learn with Jesus” on a daily basis.
Pupils are regularly involved in activities in assemblies and daily class acts of worship, where they are helped to understand why mutual respect is a vital value and where they can reflect on the ways in which we can show respect to one another.
“The second is this:” You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” There is no other commandment greater than these.” –Mark 12:31
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
As a Catholic worshipping community, pupils are reminded of their place in a culturally diverse society.
Assemblies and class work promote the diversity of society and the right for each person to be respected and valued equally regardless of ability, gender, faith, heritage or race. Members of different faiths or religions are invited to school to share their knowledge and enhance learning within assemblies and in class.
Children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths.
Active support of charities, both in Britain and overseas, develops the children’s appreciation of and respect for the differences and inequalities in the world and of all the things that we share as human beings, for example the need for food, shelter, security and love.
“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” –Hebrews 12:14