Promoting Fundamental British Values

It is a statutory duty for schools to actively promote British Values. The five key British Values are:

• Democracy
• Rule of Law
• Individual Liberty
• Mutual Respect
• Tolerance of those of different Faiths and Beliefs.

At St Patrick's we pride ourselves on promoting these British Values to enable our pupils to grow into good citizens who are prepared for life in modern Britain. In accordance with our school Mission Statement, St Patrick's is a school where children, staff and governors: "serve, love and learn together."

We believe that the values of democracy, rule of law, liberty, respect and tolerance are explicit and implicit in the Christian teaching and values of our school. In addition, PSHE is taught weekly through 'The Story Project' scheme of work. British Values are woven throughout the curriculum and are explored using high-quality texts. For more information, please see the PSHE curriculum page and RSHE policy.

 

Democracy

Democracy plays a key role within the day to day life of our school. At St Patrick's, we believe that children should have opportunities to have their voices heard. We value their contributions and opinions and we encourage them to do this in many different ways. Our School Council is an elected body of pupil representatives. It gives children the opportunity to make their voices heard and to feel part of the whole school community.

 

Rule of Law

The importance of laws and rules is 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 and relationships policy and clearly understand the rewards and sanctions that are used. Assemblies and discussions in class focus on recognising right from wrong and visits from the police and fire service help to reinforce these messages.

 

Individual Liberty 

Pupils at St Patrick’s enjoy and value the freedom they have of speech, of thought and of being themselves while remaining respectful of others’ differences. They feel a sense of belonging and their opinions are valued.

We encourage our pupils to see themselves as unique individuals, able to make a unique contribution to building a loving and welcoming community. They are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights, responsibilities and personal freedoms and receive advice about how to exercise these safely, for example, through our exploration of online safety in computing. Pupils are taught consideration of others through assemblies, collective worship, Religious Education, PSHE lessons and Pol-Ed sessions. They are encouraged to make independent choices knowing that they are in a safe, secure and supportive environment.

We support pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence and believe that valuing choice and freedom in daily school life, will foster a value for individual liberty as they embark upon their adult lives.

 

Mutual Respect

Our Mission Statement is at the heart of our school’s ethos:

Faithfully following in the footsteps of Jesus, we serve, love and learn together, inspiring each other to excellence.

Pupils are taught the importance of self-respect, honesty and fairness and are actively encouraged to work collaboratively and value others’ opinions, no matter what our differences may be. Pupils learn through their interactions with staff and each other, in the curriculum and assemblies that their behaviour has an impact on others. Good manners are modelled by staff and pupils are rewarded around the school for demonstrating politeness and care for others. 

Pupils are encouraged to understand and reach out to communities who are less fortunate than themselves and each term raise significant amounts of money for charity, demonstrating their respect for those who live in different circumstances.

We support our pupils to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life. We celebrate diversity through ‘No Outsiders’ and are proud to be an inclusive community where everyone feels special and welcome.

 

Tolerance of those of different Faiths and Beliefs

As a Catholic worshipping community, pupils are reminded of their place in a culturally diverse society. This is achieved through our 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 ability, gender, faith, heritage or race. Through the Dialogue and Encounter branch of our Religious Education programme, children explore and learn about different faiths and beliefs from around the world.