British Values Statement

The Department for Education state that there is a 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.”

At St. Katherine’s Church of England primary school, these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways.

Democracy

Democracy is embedded at our school. Pupils are listened to by adults and are taught to actively listen to one another, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard. Pupils have the opportunity to share opinions and ideas through the School Council and regular ‘pupil voice’ questionnaires. Elections of the School Council members are based solely on pupil votes after each child has shared their manifesto with their class. This was designed to reflect the British electoral system.

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws, whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced. The children discuss and set their own rules for behaviour inside and outside of the classroom; this ensures that they are relevant and clearly understood by all. Our pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, the responsibility they have to up hold them and that there are consequences when laws are broken.

Individual liberty

Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. Our children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely through many curriculum subjects, particularly in PSHE and e-safety lessons.

Mutual respect

Respect is an important value to the children and staff of St. Katherine’s primary school and it is deeply embedded in learning and behaviour. Children understand that it is expected and that it is imperative that respect to shown to everyone, whatever differences we may have, and to everything, however big or small. It underpins our work every day, both in and out of the classroom.

Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

As a Church of England school, the Christian values and faith is an integral part of the children’s day to day learning. Part of this is an understanding of different faiths and beliefs, which is taught through all subjects. The children visit a number of different places of worship and we welcome leaders of other faiths to share their beliefs with the class. We have connection with schools in different countries, which the children regularly communicate with, through writing and web-chats. During Creative Arts Week, the whole school will focus on a different country. Beliefs, traditions and customs will be studied in depth, with visitors being invited in to our school to enrich and extend understanding. Through this our pupils gain an enhanced understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society.