All schools have a responsibility 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.”
Part of our vision at St. Mary’s is to prepare the adults of the future to become valued members of society. Promoting British Values enables children to develop a sense of community and begin to understand their responsibilities and role within it.
We promote these values in the following ways:
Our School Council pupils are democratically voted in by class members at the start of each year. Our House Captains are voted in by their house each term. The school council gives every child a voice and supports the organisation of pupil surveys and questionnaires.
Throughout the curriculum, children are given opportunities to debate their ideas and thoughts and to use voting when making class decisions. This teaches pupils how they can influence decision-making through a democratic process.
We encourage children to become involved in decision-making processes and ensure they are listened to in school.
Rule of Law
We reinforce morals, values, rules and laws as an integral part of our learning, ensuring our children become law abiding citizens.
Class charters/rules are created at the start of each academic year and we celebrate the adhering to these rules, therefore developing the children’s understanding of right from wrong.
We help the children to respect the law and the basis on which it is made and to understand that living under the rule of law protects individuals. This includes visits from the police across the year.
All staff are role models for our children and the expected behaviour is always visible.
We ensure that the children have a very clear understanding that they are responsible for the choices they make and if a rule or value isn’t followed, there are sanctions in place. Every staff member follows the same procedure when dealing with any incidents that may occur so that children feel they have been treated fairly and respectfully.
E- Safety is taught in every year group.
In addition, our school values are referred to and discussed in whole school assemblies and in class.
We actively encourage children to make learning choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. The pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their behaviour, as well as knowing their rights. E-Safety is taught throughout our school so that children are given the knowledge to exercise their rights and personal freedoms safely.
Children are given the freedom to make choices, e.g. signing up for extra-curricular clubs, and what to do in Golden Time.
Mutual respect and Tolerance
Respect is a value that all staff communicate to the pupils. There is an expectation that adults and children demonstrate respect to each other both in and outside of the school.
The mini police monitor the behaviour of children and help sort out any problems in a respectful way ensuring everyone is treated fairly.
Beliefs, traditions and customs are studied and celebrated through our RE curriculum and the sharing of individual’s experiences.
We use opportunities such as the Olympics and news events to study and learn about life and culture in different countries.
Remembrance day allows us to support the children in developing an understanding of the importance of individual liberty and the sacrifices that have been made.