British Values
The DfE have recently reinforced the need “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.”
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength {and} you shall love your neighbour as yourself.”
(Mark 12:30-31)
Loving and valuing everyone is a central element of Christian behaviour and is at the heart of the life of our school. St Mary’s Catholic Primary School is a place where we learn how to love God, one another and ourselves. This is achieved through collective worship, religious education and the application of the teaching of the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales according to the norms of the Catholic Education Service, the advice of our Ampleforth Trustees and of the Archdiocese of Liverpool.
We strive to nurture among everyone a real sense of purpose of who we are in the world and how special we are in the eyes of God.
We aim to be a Catholic family where all are appreciated and respected and we endeavour to inspire children to create a better world through thoughtful respect and tolerance. Through our Christian values of respect, awe and wonder, peace, friendship, justice, trust, hope and endurance, we engage children in learning that helps them to be respectful towards others and be aware of their feelings, emotions and beliefs.
We develop children’s knowledge, understanding and awareness of the Catholic Church. We also teach the children about other Christian churches as Christianity is the predominant religion in Great Britain and of the other principal religions represented in this country as the predominant religion in Great Britain and of the other principle religions represented in this country.
Actively promoting these values means challenging pupils, staff or parents/carers who express opinions contrary to fundamental British values, including ‘extremist’ views. St Mary’s Catholic Primary School takes opportunities and is committed to promoting these fundamental British values in the following ways: