British Values
The DfE have recently 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.”
Throughout our school curriculum we promote British values including the equality between genders and tolerance of other faiths. We aim to encourage children to understand the importance of democracy through elections of ‘parliament members’ within our school. We teach the concept of law by enforcing school rules and discussing acceptable and unacceptable behaviour within the wider society, including during Celebration Assemblies. Additionally, we look at ‘individual liberty’ through the teaching of PSHCE, RE, and E-safety plus offer our children the opportunity to make choices which emphasise the individual liberty component of British values. We are consistently encouraging and promoting mutual respect and tolerance of others - regardless of their background. Our Collective Worship is planned and delivered in order to cover eleven core values, which is supported by the Church of England ‘Values for Life’ scheme. These are also promoted through day to day teaching which is further embedded by the climate and ethos created in school. Overall we pride ourselves on ensuring that these aspects are included in the entirety of school life at St. Joseph's.
Our complete Curriculum policy, including British Values statement can be found following this link.
The following examples are are an indication of some of the many ways we seek to embed 'British values' at St Joseph's RC C of E.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws, whether they are those that regulate the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout the day, during lessons, when dealing with behaviour and through our collective worships.
The curriculum is designed and structured to ensure all of our pupils are taught the values and reasons behind laws, that they are in place to govern and protect us, as well as understanding the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken.
Individual Liberty
Here at St Joseph's pupils are encouraged to make independent choices knowing that they are in an environment which is safe, secure and supportive of the positive choices they make. As a school we encourage children to see themselves as an unique individual who is able to make their own positive choices.
Mutual Respect
We at St Joseph's both pupils and staff value respect.
As a school we promote recode the of others through our day to day activities, as well as through extra curricular activities such as sports in which all children have the opportunity to participate.
Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
This is achieved through equipping pupils with the ability to develop positive values, understand their own beliefs and their place in a culturally diverse society. All pupils experience a connection with other cultures RE lessons, topics and theme days we have at school.
our RE curriculum follows the teaching of the church in providing a broad and balanced education, which includes an understanding and respect for people's faith, religion, culture and lifestyle.