British Values
The DfE has 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.
At Our Lady of Pity R.C. Primary School, British Values are promoted through curriculum design, high quality teaching, a rounded programme of class-led and whole school assemblies and through our positive behaviour policy. We address the different aspects of British Values as follows:
DEMOCRACY
As a school we listen to all voices and regularly seek views through face to face interactions and surveys . Our ‘Open Door’ policy encourages all stakeholders to express their views and through this positive partnership, we work to bring about effective change. Regular coffee morning and afternoons provide ongoing dialogue between parents and the SLT.
Our children are taught about the importance of democracy through the curriculum and through our work as a Rights Respecting School.
RULE OF LAW
The rule of law, whether this be laws that govern the class, the school or the country is constantly reinforced throughout the school day. Pupils are taught the values and the reasons behind laws which govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken.
From the outset pupils are taught to recognise the importance of all children having a right to learn and a right to feel safe. Children slowly develop deep understanding of Gospel Values, rights and responsibilities. We believe that all children are inherently good and whilst from time to time they make mistakes our aim is always to deepen understanding and guide them along the right path.
We work closely with our school community, including the emergency services, to help our pupils to understand the need for the rules that keep everyone safe.
INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY
Through our curriculum delivery and lesson design, we discuss different choices that the children can make. We encourage pupils to reflect on their choices and the effect that these have on others. When conflict arises, we teach the children how to listen to others and agree a resolution.
Through E-safety lessons and parent engagement, we teach the importance of staying safe and acting responsibly online.
Through RE lessons children are taught that every person is unique and created in the image of God. They are taught to respect the many and varied beliefs of others in the community.
MUTUAL RESPECT
Our whole school ethos is based on our mission of: ‘Joy through Respect'
Through our lesson design we make links to the values and expectations we have of all our children. Staff at Our Lady of Pity R.C. Primary School pride themselves on the relationships that they build with the children. They ensure that all children are respected and their voices are heard. Skilled teaching actively supports all children to develop their own reasoned views about moral and ethical issues.
TOLERANCE OF THOSE OF DIFFERENT FAITHS AND BELIEF
As a School of Sanctuary and a Rights Respecting School we actively promote tolerance and understanding of different faiths and beliefs. All children study different faiths and our curriculum reflects a diverse world.