British Values
Promoting Fundamental British Values at St Mary’s.
In accordance with The Department for Education and our Catholic Faith, we aim to actively promote British values in school to ensure young people leave school prepared for life in modern Britain. Pupils are encouraged to regard people of all faiths, races and cultures with respect and tolerance and understand that while different people may hold different views about what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, all people living in England are subject to its law.
The Key Values are:
- democracy
- rule of law
- individual liberty
- mutual respect
- tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
How this is done at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School:
We help children to remember the British Values through the thumb and finger model
Thumb – democracy – up or down to give opinion.
Index finger – Rule of Law - pointing
Middle finger – Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs – tallest finger pointing to God.
Ring Finger – Mutual respect – wedding ring – respect for other people
Little finger – Individual Liberty – sticks out on its own.
We actively promote British values through
Focusing on and showing how the school’s work is effective in securing these values
Challenging pupils, staff or parents who express opinions contrary to British values
Democracy – what do we do?
Provide pupils with a broad general knowledge of, and promote respect for, public institutions and services
Teach pupils how they can influence decision-making through the democratic process
Include in the curriculum information on the advantages and disadvantages of democracy and how it works in Britain
Encourage pupils to become involved in decision-making processes and ensure they are listened to in school
Help pupils to express their views
Model how perceived injustice can be peacefully challenged
Democracy is shown through history topics where relevant
Circle Time and discussion groups
Opportunities for mediation where appropriate to resolve differences of understanding or opinions to support caring and trusted relationships between children.
Rule of law – what do we do?
Ensure school rules and expectations are clear and fair
Class rules and celebration of adhering to these rules
Help pupils to distinguish right from wrong
Help pupils to respect the law and the basis on which it is made
Help pupils to understand that living under the rule of law protects individuals
Promote visits from the police across the year
Individual liberty – what do we do?
Support pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence
Encourage pupils to take responsibility for their behaviour, as well as knowing their rights
Model freedom of speech through pupil participation, while ensuring protection of vulnerable pupils and promoting critical analysis of evidence
Challenge stereotypes and implement a strong anti-bullying culture
Anti-bullying activities underpinned by our Kidsafe program and Kidsafe leaders
E-Safety through school
Respect and tolerance – what do we do?
Promote respect for individual differences
Help pupils to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life
Challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour
Develop links with faith and other communities through RE and working alongside children and their families
Learning to disagree in a respectful way
Develop critical personal thinking skills through our P4C and CARITAS work
We use the following resources to help us deliver British Values
