British Values
British Values at St. Catherine’s C.E. Primary School
At St. Catherine’s, we are committed to actively promoting British values to prepare our pupils for life in modern Britain. We aim to foster an environment where respect, tolerance, and understanding of different faiths, races, and cultures are integral to our school community. We believe that while individuals may have different perspectives on what is ‘right’ or ‘wrong,’ everyone in England is subject to its laws.
Key British Values
Democracy
- Class Voting: At the start of the year, pupils vote for school councillors to ensure they have a voice in school decisions.
- Knowledge of Public Institutions: We provide pupils with a broad understanding of public institutions and services, and teach them how to influence decision-making through democratic processes.
- Curriculum and Assemblies: Democracy is taught through assemblies, our school curriculum, and history lessons.
- Decision-Making Participation: We encourage pupils to be involved in decision-making processes and ensure their views are heard.
- Modelling Justice: We demonstrate how perceived injustices can be peacefully challenged.
Rule of Law
- Clear Expectations: We ensure that school rules and expectations are clear, fair, and consistently applied.
- Distinguishing Right from Wrong: We help pupils understand the difference between right and wrong and respect the laws that protect individuals.
- Understanding Laws: Through PHSE lessons, we explore laws and discuss how to respond to peer pressure.
- Police Visits: Regular visits from police officers across all year groups reinforce the importance of the rule of law.
Individual Liberty
- Self-Development: We support pupils in developing self-knowledge, self-esteem, and self-confidence.
- Responsibility and Rights: Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their behavior and understand their rights.
- Freedom of Speech: We model freedom of speech and critical thinking, while protecting vulnerable students and promoting a balanced view of evidence.
- Anti-Bullying and E-Safety: A strong anti-bullying culture and comprehensive e-safety education are integral to our approach.
Mutual Respect and Tolerance of Different Cultures and Religions
- Positive Role Models: We explore positive role models through various topics and challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour.
- Visits to Places of Worship: Organising visits to places of worship helps pupils gain a deeper understanding of different religions.
- RE Curriculum: Our RE sequences ensure pupils have a good grasp of various religious beliefs and customs.
- Cultural Understanding: We help pupils respect and understand their own and others' cultures and ways of life.
Through these practices, we strive to build a respectful and inclusive school community where British values are lived and learned every day.