British Values at St Mary's Catholic Primary School

British Values, as defined by the government in 2011 are democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.  At St Mary's, we believe that promoting these values is of paramount importance and do so daily through every day school life.

DEMOCRACY

• Our pupils elect their own school council to represent their year group 
• The freedom of speech is promoted in our celebration assemblies where we can share well done and thank you to those in our school. 
• Our curriculum includes the beginnings of democracy and how it affects our life in Modern Britain.
• The pupil voice in our school steer key areas for improvement in our school from the climate crisis to equalities. 

THE RULE OF LAW

• Our behaviour policy demands high expectations of pupil conduct and this is shared with and agreed by all pupils. Pupils are rewarded for exhibiting good and caring behaviour and consistent demonstration of our values is recognised through things such as ‘Star of the Week’.
• Through our RE and PSHE lessons, our pupils are taught how to earn trust and respect and are supported to develop a strong sense of morality; knowing right from wrong and doing the right thing even when it’s difficult. This is emphasised in our prayers when we reflect on the gospels and the lessons we learn.
• We take part in local initiatives, such as cyber ambassadors, and maintain links with local police officers.
• Children are taught about equality and mutual respect for all and this is reinforced through our behaviour policy.

INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY

• Through our school values and PSHE lessons, children are taught about personal responsibility, choices, ambition and aspiration.  They are encouraged to take opportunities to follow their interests in art, sport etc. 
• As a school, we use pupil surveys to find out the interests of our children in order to put on after school clubs that are relevant to the pupils of St Mary's.
• Children are taught how to keep themselves safe, including on-line.  This is done through computing lessons, e-safety days, assemblies and outside organisations such as the NSPCC, as well as through the PSHE curriculum.

MUTUAL RESPECT

•  Our behaviour policy demands high expectations of pupil conduct and this is shared with and agreed by all pupils.
• Through our school’s values, PSHE and school circle time, children are taught to respect each other, to be cooperative and collaborative, be supportive and to look for similarities while being understanding of differences.
• Mutual respect is an expectation of all and is promoted every day by staff and pupils
• Pupils learn about a range of faiths and beliefs and how difference enriches life experiences. 

TOLERANCE OF DIFFERENT FAITHS AND BELIEFS

• Our behaviour policy demands high expectations of pupil conduct and this is shared with and agreed by all pupils.
• Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs is promoted through the curriculum for Religious Education.  Pupils learn about different religions, their beliefs, places of worship and festivals, and learn about those who have no faith or beliefs.
• Pupils have the opportunity to visit places of worship.
• Invited guests come to St Mary's to talk about their faith. This gives all children the opportunity to ask questions.