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:

Democracy

Pupil voice, as well as parent/carer voice, plays a central part in developing school improvement priorities. The school is clear in demonstrating how pupils should contribute and co-operate and consider the views and needs of others.  We learn about this in more detail through key worker time; SEAL; collective worship and circle time.

The Rule of Law

Staff consistently reinforce high expectations of pupils. Whenever appropriate pupils are taught the value and reasons behind these expectations; that they are there to protect us and that everyone has responsibility and there may be consequences when rules are disregarded.

Individual Liberty

Within school, everyone is actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. The school provides pupils with opportunities to learn about what makes a good choice. Pupils are encouraged to express their views and teaching and learning incorporates their preferences and interests.

Mutual Respect

At St Mary’s, our Christian values of respect and tolerance permeate all areas of school life. This engenders a climate within which pupils feel safe and secure and facilitates the fulfilment of potential. All staff demonstrate respect to everyone with whom they come into contact. They consistently model and promote the behaviours and attitudes that are the foundation of positive relationships. The strong school ethos encourages everyone to consider and support each other and to celebrate the worth and individuality of every member of the school community.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

The school’s creative curriculum aims to develop understanding of the world. The RE and PSHE schemes of work provide opportunities for pupils to develop tolerance of and empathy towards those from different faiths, beliefs and cultures.