S t Gregory’s Catholic Primary School

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.”

The Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values were reiterated in 2014. At St Gregory’s these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways.

Democracy

At the beginning of the school year children decide upon their class charter and the rights associated with these. All the children contribute to the drawing up of the charter.

Children have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. Each class elects two members of the school council which meets regularly to discuss issues raised in class and on the playground. The council meets regularly with the Learning Mentor and headteacher and from time to time with governors and is able to genuinely effect change within the school. Two council members for each year group are voted in by their class and two children are voted in by those attending Breakfast Club. This year two children will be elected to represent sports in school.

Children complete an annual questionnaire with which they are able to put forward their views about the school.

Children and adults are invited to award “Do-Jo's" to children spotted for a host of reasons including; showing kindness, being brave, charitable acts, being courteous and well mannered.

The Rule of Law

The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help reinforce this message.

Individual Liberty

Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. We provide boundaries for young pupils to make choices safely, through provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons. Pupils are given the freedom to make choices, e.g. signing up for extra-curricular clubs and activities.

Mutual Respect

Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

St Gregory’s is situated in an area which is not greatly culturally diverse, therefore we place a great emphasis on promoting diversity with the children. Assemblies are regularly planned to address this issue either directly or through the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures. Our RE and PSHE  teaching reinforce this. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. Children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths. We celebrate and study other world faiths and learn about their customs, practices and celebrations. We invite guest speakers and run workshops to give the children a real experience of different belief systems. At St Gregory’s we will actively challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views.