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.”
The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values have been reiterated by the Prime Minister this year. At St Catherine’s these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council and Pupil Voice sessions led by subject leaders. Pupils regularly contribute to, sign up to and discuss class rules. As a Christian school we regularly talk about fairness and equality during assemblies and class PSHE lessons.
Children learn about laws and why we have them, and the consequences of breaking laws during assemblies, PSHE & RE sessions in class, and through our behaviour policy. Children understand that there are consequences for breaking rules and laws.
Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, to become involved in school life, and to take responsibility for their learning and behaviour knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make choices safety, through of provision of a safe, supportive environment. Pupils (and their parents) are advised about taking responsibility for their own personal through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons.
As a Christian school our school ethos and behaviour policy embraces the values of ‘respect’, ‘care’, ‘love’ and ‘understanding’ of all. Pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown, and are encouraged to consider the feelings of others. Posters around the school promote respect for others and this is reiterated through our classroom and learning rules, as well as our behaviour policy.
Pupils at St Catherine’s know that this is a Christian school and will confidently talk about respecting all faiths. They celebrate the fact that there are children here of different faiths, who are proud to contribute ideas about their own beliefs during assemblies and in class RE sessions. We give them opportunities to experience and discuss diversity of faith, ethnicity and background. The school annually celebrates ‘International month’. Members of different faiths and families from varied ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning and understanding within classes and the school.