British values statement
At St Margaret Mary’s Infant school we recognise, not only the importance of helping children to flourish academically but also spiritually, morally, socially and culturally, so they are fully prepared for life in British society and for their role as citizens, able to make the strongest possible contribution to the Common Good of all. We teach the importance of the British Values, democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs, within a framework of Catholic Christian Values. Our understanding of British values draws on the example of Jesus and his welcome and inclusion of all, which is developed in Catholic Social Teaching. We provide an education which focuses on the formation of the whole person and are guided by our mission statement:
‘Loving, Learning and Growing Together with Jesus’
We promote our Gospel and British values both within and beyond the classroom and these values are at the heart of our Catholic ethos. The examples that follow are an indication of some of the many ways we seek to embed British values.
Democracy
- Having a school council and allowing pupils to elect their school councillors by voting.
- Having eco council and allowing pupils to elect their eco councillors by voting.
- Ensuring all pupils are listened to by adults
- Inviting speakers to the school
- Pupil voice
- Through the curriculum, e.g. adopting an animal in year 2
The Rule of Law
- School rules and class charter
- Behaviour pledge
- Visitors e.g. PCSO, Road Safety Y1.
- Highlighting the rules of the Church in the RE curriculum and in other religions
Individual Liberty
- Children are encouraged to be independent in their learning. Contiuous provision in EYFS.
- Pupils are given the opportunity to suggest and organise fundraising events, Catholic Social Teaching
- Class debates and discussions take place in various curriculum subjects
- Opportunities for pupils to learn about their rights and personal freedoms and how to exercise these safely (e.g. online safety, PSHE lessons and the responsibilities that these bring)
- Opportunities to take on additional roles and responsibilities (e.g. school and eco council)
Mutual respect
- Having a mission statement that is inclusive of all
- Constantly promoting respect for others as good manners
- Anti Bullying through PSHE and beyond
- Emphasising in prayer and liturgy, RE and PSHE lessons that every person is unique and “created in the image of God”
- Supporting charitable works (e.g. fundraising events held each term for charities such as Macmillan Cancer Support, CAFOD, Claire House)
Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs,
- Religious Education provides pupils with a deep understanding of their own faith as well as an awareness of other faiths
- Opportunities to explore cultural celebrations through art and music
- Authentic visitors of various Religions/Faith e.g. Diwali dance
- Catholic social teaching
Please also see our Values statement on our mission and values page.
