British Values at St Mary’s

At St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, the promotion of British Values is an important part of our commitment to developing well-rounded, responsible and respectful citizens. Our Catholic faith provides a strong foundation for these values, teaching children about the dignity of every human being, the importance of justice, service, compassion, responsibility and respect for others.

Through our curriculum, worship, pastoral provision and the everyday life of our school, pupils learn how these values apply both within our school community and in wider society.

Democracy

At St Mary’s, pupils are encouraged to understand the importance of having a voice and being able to contribute to decisions that affect them.

Children have meaningful opportunities to share their views through pupil surveys, class discussions, pupil leadership opportunities, meetings with school leaders and an open-door approach to pastoral concerns. They are encouraged to contribute to the development of class and school expectations and to understand that, while their views will always be listened to and considered, decisions must take account of the needs and safety of the whole community.

Through the curriculum, children develop an age-appropriate understanding of how our country is governed and how citizens can participate in democratic society. They learn about elections, Parliament, local government and the role of public services and representatives.

Rule of Law

At St Mary’s, children learn that rules and laws are important because they help to keep people safe, protect individual rights and enable communities to live together fairly.

Our school rules and expectations are clearly communicated and consistently and fairly upheld. Children learn that rules apply to everyone and that choices have consequences.

Through assemblies, classroom discussions, the curriculum and Religious Education, pupils develop an understanding of the difference between rules within our school, laws within society and the moral principles that guide our behaviour.

Our Catholic faith teaches us about justice, responsibility and forgiveness. Where harm has been caused, children are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions, understand the impact of their behaviour on others and, where appropriate, work towards repairing relationships.

Individual Liberty

At St Mary’s, we want children to grow into confident young people who are able to make informed and responsible choices.

Through PSHE, Religious Education, relationships education, online safety teaching and everyday classroom life, pupils learn about their rights and responsibilities and are encouraged to express their views, ask questions and make safe choices.

Children are provided with appropriate opportunities to share worries, concerns and opinions, including through trusted adults, worry boxes and structured conversations. They are taught that they will be listened to and treated with dignity.

We also teach that individual liberty comes with responsibility. Children are free to make choices within appropriate boundaries and are encouraged to consider how their decisions affect themselves and others. They learn that being free does not mean being free from responsibility, rules or the consequences of their choices.

Mutual Respect

Mutual respect is fundamental to life at St Mary’s.

As a Catholic school, we believe that every person is made in the image and likeness of God and therefore possesses inherent dignity and worth. We teach children to treat others with kindness, courtesy and respect, regardless of differences in background, ability, beliefs, appearance or opinion.

Pupils are taught to listen carefully to others, value different perspectives, disagree respectfully and recognise the impact that their words and actions can have on others.

Respect is reinforced through our relationships, behaviour expectations, curriculum, worship, collaborative learning and opportunities for service. Through fundraising and charitable activities, children are encouraged to look beyond themselves and recognise their responsibility to care for others, particularly those who are vulnerable or in need.

Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs

As a Catholic school, we are proud of our faith and seek to develop in our pupils a secure understanding of the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church. At the same time, we recognise and value the diversity of the society in which our children live.

Through Religious Education, PSHE, assemblies and the wider curriculum, pupils learn about a range of different faiths, beliefs and worldviews. They are encouraged to ask questions, develop understanding and engage respectfully with people whose beliefs or traditions may differ from their own.

We teach children that respecting another person's right to hold different beliefs does not require them to agree with those beliefs. Instead, pupils learn to approach difference with curiosity, dignity and kindness and to challenge prejudice, discrimination and intolerance.

Through learning about different cultures, faiths and traditions, and through opportunities to engage with the wider community, our children develop empathy and an appreciation of the diverse society in which they live.

Living British Values

At St Mary’s, British Values are not taught as a separate set of ideas but are lived through the everyday life of our school.

Our Catholic faith and Gospel values provide a strong moral foundation through which children learn to become respectful, responsible, courageous and compassionate members of society.

We want every child to leave St Mary’s with a strong sense of their own worth, respect for the dignity of others, an understanding of their responsibilities and the confidence to contribute positively to the community and wider world.