British Values
British Values at St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School
Democracy – We listen and are listened to. We share our opinions with each other to help improve our school
Pupils have a voice at our small school. Children are individuals; we know our children and they have a place at the heart of our community. Children have the opportunity to have their voices heard through Pupil questionnaires, weekly assemblies, debate lessons and school council meetings. Pupils are always listened to and are taught the skills of listening carefully. Respect is part of our mission statement and respecting each other with concern and empathy is the right of all children and adults. Children come together to reflect class opinions and work together to improve our school.
The rule of law – We make our rules and know why they are important in our school
The need for boundaries in the class, the school of the country are consistency reinforced. Our values are reflected in children’s daily routines and the expectations placed upon the whole of the school community are modelled by all adults. The behaviour policy, as well as praising the choices worthy of praise, also makes it clear that if rules are broken there are consequences; children are always encouraged to make the right choice. All children are engaged in creating class rules at the start of the year and discussing why they are important. They are also taught to self reflect and to recognise when things go wrong and how to make amends. Our children are also taught that there are laws in our country and when these laws are broken we are potentially putting ourselves in danger, and could find ourselves in trouble. Visits from authorities such as the Police, Fire Service etc. are incorporated into the curriculum as and when appropriate.
Individual liberty – We can make our own choices in school
Within the safe, nurturing environment of our school all children are encouraged to make the right choice. We provide strong boundaries. Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through eSafety. The children learn to face challenges in Debate lessons, reason and challenge in maths, take risks in group work, as peers or on an individual basis. They thrive through exploring on residential trips and in various extra-curricular activities.
Mutual respect – We work together to help one another
Our children know that difference is celebrated and ‘ok’. We help our children to learn that whilst those around them might be different we are all the same – we are special and deserve to be loved. We encourage all children to learn from each other and alongside each other.
Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs – We enjoy learning about different faiths and cultures from around the world
This is achieved through enhancing children’s understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Members of different faiths, parents or special visitors are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within the school. This is sometimes experienced first hand through visits to special buildings, such as the mosque or synagogue.